A method of assembling an object using a component that has coded data on it, or in it. The coded data is indicative of the components identity and at least one of: i) a position of the sensed coded data portion; ii) a position of the sensing device relative to the interface surface; iii) an orientation of the sensed coded data; and, iv) an orientation of the sensing device relative to the interface surface. The coded data is read by a sensing device. The method involves using the sensing device to generate indicating data to identify the component and orientation data of the component, then transferring the indicating data to at least one of: an assembly system which is responsive to the indication to assemble the object; and, a computer system which is responsive to the indication to cause an assembly system to assemble the object.