Abstract: A controllable end effector comprising a base component comprising a plurality of motion-defining elements; a plurality of mounting components operatively coupled to the base component, wherein each mounting component is coupled to one of the motion-defining elements; a plurality of drive components each configured to independently control a position of one of the mounting components; and a plurality of pick elements configured to engage with a surface of an object, wherein each mounting component is coupled to at least one of the pick elements. A method of manufacturing using a controllable end effector that includes identifying an object; moving at least two mounting components of the controllable end effector near the object; engaging at least two pick elements coupled to the two mounting components with a surface of the object; moving, via the pick elements, the object; and disengaging the pick elements from the surface of the object.