Abstract: An automated storage and retrieval system platform extraction and insertion mechanism has a left and right pin transport engaged by a chain on said platform along a path extending substantially the length of the platform in a substantially elliptical pathway such that either the left and right pin transports travel from a first end of the platform substantially the length of the platform and optionally back to the first end. The left and right transport paths are identical in their direction along their paths. The left and right transport paths have a two directional movement about the platform along the path; and a left and right pin mounted upon the left and right pin transports whereby the left or right pin is pointed substantially away from the path, wherein the left or right pin engage an underside of a container extension and pull a container until the left or right pin has substantially traversed the platform.