PURPOSE: To provide an automated system for storing, retrieving and transporting goods of any shape and size and a method therefor.

CONSTITUTION: Goods to be stored are placed on a flat support plate having a smooth base, further the support plate is placed in an elevator when needed, and the elevator carries up the support plate to a desired storage plane. When the elevator stops, the elevator forms a surface successive with the storage plane, which has numerous rectangular units 1. In order to form a thin air cushion between the support plate and a surface thereunder (that is, unit 1), a pressurized pneumatic valve is opened. At the same time, in order to form a moving surface free from friction, pressurized air is fed under the adjacent rectangular unit. The pressurized air is obtained from a pump 6, delivered through conduits 7, 8 under the unit 1, and discharged via a plurality of holes 9.