Distributed motion control in machine automation is one of the main research areas of Institute of Hydraulics and Automation in Tampere University of Technology in Finland. In this paper the idea of an independent actuator as a mechatronic solution to motion control problem is discussed. As a closely related subject technological aspects of system control and in-machine communication are shortly presented. Connection methods are presented for some alternative machine controllers, like PLC, CNC and PC. Transmission delays of in-machine communication are discussed as a possible application dependent source of problems. In the conclusion chapter the further studies are also presented.