For instance, placing the catalyst under a block, pointing up. In its inventory it would have NESWUP buttons. If the N button is pressed, the catalyst would interact with the North side of the block instead of the bottom.

Personally I think a part of using this machine is the puzzle to place it in a specific way such that it interacts with the block in the way you want it to. Or at least that's what I thought when I used the Autonomous Activator/Mechanical User. Those didn't have such options either for what it's worth.

Fair enough. :-) Thanks for reading!