Abstract: Disclosed herein is an object manipulator, comprising first and second extendible arms, a support member, and an end effector configured for grasping an object. The end effector comprises first and second end effector counterparts, wherein the first counterpart is disposed on the first arm and the second counterpart is disposed on the second arm. The end effector is displaceable, relative to the support member, via extension and retraction of the extendible arms. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-effectible relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are disposed, relative to the object, such that the object is graspable by the end effector. While the end effector and the object are in a grasping-ineffective relationship, the first and second end effector counterparts are displaceable, relative to the object, via the extendible arms, such that the end effector and the object become disposed in the grasping-effective relationship.

Abstract: A storage system having one or more storage modules each comprising a substantially cylindrical housing having a curved sidewall portion extending between a top wall portion and a bottom wall portion, with the housing being disposed about a central axis. A carousel is mounted within the housing for controlled rotation about the central axis. The carousel has a plurality of storage locations disposed in vertical arrays about the axis to receive articles to be stored. A first door opening is formed in the sidewall portion to provide for access from the exterior of the housing to at least one of the vertical arrays adjacent to the first door opening. A means for controlling the temperature within the housing is also provided.