The present invention provides removable-unit storage modules, which can
be combined into a network. The storage modules comprise storage cells
arranged in a rule based structured configuration, and robotic hands to
which move along tracks in order to retrieve objects from the storage
cells. In one embodiment, the storage cells are used to contain data
storage units. Several modules can be combined into a network by means of
bridge tracks which connect the tracks of different modules, allowing the
robotic hands to move between modules. The bridge tracks can be
dynamically connected and disconnected from the modules, allowing the
network configuration to change according to user needs. The individual
modules are mobile and can be transported to other locations and
connected with other removable-unit storage networks.