1. An apparatus configured to control an automation function, comprising: one or more automation modules connectable into an assembly, each automation module including, a data interface for exchanging data with other automation modules of the one or more automation modules; a processor coupled to the data interface; and a functional component operable by the processor for performing an independent automation task; and wherein the data interfaces of the one or more automation modules are coupled to exchange data communications for coordinating the respective functional components of the automation modules to perform the automation function.