在过去10年中，关于在移动机器人系统的设计和组装中引入模块化概念的必要性，已经进行了大量讨论。直到最近，这些讨论大多集中在控制体系结构和接口上。很少有人强调开发用于系统组装或集成过程的硬件模块。大多数从事特定于应用程序的移动机器人系统制造的公司都会联想到一句陈词滥调:没有人想买我们制造的东西，他们都想要一些稍微不同的东西。事实是，一个系统制造商不能向所有人提供所有的东西。这是一个相对较新的行业，几乎每天都会发现新的和不同的应用程序。

Over the course of the last 10 years there have been numerous discussions regarding the need to introduce modular concepts in the design and assembly of mobile robotic systems. Until recently most of those discussions have been centered around control architecture and interfaces. Very little emphasis has been placed on the development of hardware modules for use in the system assembly, or integration process. Most companies engaged in the manufacture of application specific mobile robotic systems can relate to the cliche: Nobody wants to buy what we build, they all want something that is just a little bit different. The fact is, a systems manufacturer cannot provide all things to all people. This is a relatively new industry that uncovers new and different applications almost daily.