Abstract: The present invention relates to a modular automated transport system for transporting articles from one location to another. The system is particularly suited for transporting baskets of medical instruments and devices as part of a washing or sterilization process. Each module has mechanisms for positioning and moving articles along the module, and for transferring articles to and from adjacent modules, load tables, washers, or like devices. Each module also has simple control and communication mechanisms that permit adding and removing modules from the system without the need for complex reprogramming of the controller.