A method of processing objects using a bilateral architecture. The method
comprises the steps of: arranging a plurality of instruments around a
bi-directional conveyance device, the instruments spaced at fixed pitch
intervals along the conveyor device; assigning dedicated movers to each
of the instruments, the dedicated movers for loading and unloading of the
objects to and from the instruments and the conveyance device; and
controlling the operation of the conveyance device to have an interrupted
motion, the interrupted motion for co-ordinating the loading and
unloading of the objects; wherein the dedicated movers are positioned
such that adjacent movers operate independently of one another. The
method can be operated on an automated robotic system having a modular
architecture. The system comprises; a backbone having a plurality of
backbone connectors; a module having a module connector for releasably
coupling with a respective one of the backbone connectors; a
bi-directional motion device connected to the backbone, the motion device
for presenting an object adjacent to the module when the module is
coupled to the backbone; a connection interface formable by coupling the
backbone and module connectors, the connection interface for providing an
operation coupling between the backbone and the module when adjacent
thereto; wherein the connection interface provides a repeatable
connection and disconnection capability between the backbone and the
module for ready reconfiguration of the modular architecture.