Abstract: A mobile storage system includes a series of storage units movable relative to each other to create an aisle or aisles between adjacent storage units. The mobile storage system includes a gesture sensor on each storage unit that is able to detect movement of a hand of a user near the gesture sensor. The gesture sensor communicates the detected movement of the user's hand to a control unit of the mobile storage system such that the control unit can coordinate the movement of the storage units. The gesture sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector that operate to detect the movement of the user's hand. Based on the direction of movement detected, the control unit can move the storage units or activate a light or other device. A method of operating the mobile storage system based on the sensed movement detected by the gesture sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile storage system that includes a guidance system controlling the movement of each of a plurality of movable carriages along a support surface. The mobile storage system includes a guidance system having a magnetic strip positioned on the support surface. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned on each of the mobile carriages and generally aligned with the magnetic strip positioned on the floor. The magnetic sensors detect the magnetic strip and a control unit controls the operation of a pair of drive motors to move the carriages along, the mobile strip while maintaining proper alignment. The guidance system thus eliminates the need for any floor mounted rails to guide the movement of the individual mobile carriages along the support surface.

Abstract: A mobile storage system that includes a guidance system controlling the movement of each of a plurality of movable carriages along a support surface. The mobile storage system includes a guidance system having a magnetic strip positioned on the support surface. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned on each of the mobile carriages and generally aligned with the magnetic strip positioned on the floor. The magnetic sensors detect the magnetic strip and a control unit controls the operation of a pair of drive motors to move the carriages along, the mobile strip while maintaining proper alignment. The guidance system thus eliminates the need for any floor mounted rails to guide the movement of the individual mobile carriages along the support surface.