Variable motion system and method

The invention relates to a system and a method for performing a manufacturing operation at a predetermined position relative to a first path. The system includes a plurality of first elements mounted for movement relative to the first path. The first elements have a plurality of motion parameters which are independently controllable. Active elements are operatively associated with reactive elements to produce relative movement between the first elements and the first path, with the active elements controlling the relative movement. A controller controls the activation of the active elements and a first tool is associated with each first element for performing at least part of the manufacturing operation. The system may also include at least one second element and a second path. The method includes the steps of mounting a plurality of first carriages for movement relative to a first path, operatively associating a plurality of active elements with at least one reactive element to produce relative movement between the first carriages and the path, associating a first tool with each first carriage for performing at least part of the manufacturing process, and controlling the activation of the active elements.