I'd thought you were familiar with 2300AD.
(There are a few websites dedicated to the game still kickin' around.)
But if not, or for the benefit of others...
Under the oceans of a certain planet is (are) a (few) mountain sized creature that can change it's DNA to go forth and explore. After a time these pieces of itself report back what they have found. These aren't "individuals" but a colony collective. Eventually, these small pods evolved themselves to better explore different environments on the planet. The pods excel at studying biology and after moving to the shores, they created land forms, then took to the air. After thousands of years, they began exploring their local solar system. All of their vehicles/tools/equipment were pods, specifically designed/grown for the task at hand. Living constructs with self-repair, limited modification abilities/intelligence and a desire to learn and explore.
Totally mastering genetics and bio-sciences, the pods are still fairly primitive when it comes to "tech" sciences. Although they have bio equivalents to rockets, they are still primitive in electronics/computers and such. Although their bio-constructs excel at the specified task, to alter "programming" still takes time to grow.
Naturally, the pods developed a stutterwarp drive, and the first race they found; humans. The human race had never seen anything like the 5 legged creepy looking road cones. The pentapods greeted humans with enthusiasm, modifying specific individuals to better understand humans. This had the effect of just freakin' people out! Want a mask to breathe underwater without a scuba tank...no problem. Place this starfish over you face, the two eyes are hardened chitin that will become clear only when wet. A tube is extended into the mouth of the wearer to allow oxygen to enter the lungs... Flaps of skin on the sides of the creature filter water to extract oxygen.... Looks just like a Facehugger from Alien and feels as comfortable...plus, it's alive... Slowly, pentapods are learning how to better understand this new race. The most alien concept is independent individuality. Whereas each pentapod is grown for its perfect niche, they are a collective with no sense of self. Humans are confusing because they are all about self and individuality, then they slowly get programming (education) and try to find their niche.
Pentapod products work as well as their human counterparts, you just have to feed them. And how often had you been working under the hover car to find that special tool is just out of reach! Well just a whistle, and it could be slithering its' cold snake-like body around your very hand! How convenient.
