an automated storage system for vehicles or the like is provided with a guidance system that interacts with a remote - controlled transport system that transports a vehicle between an access location , such a drive - up location , and a storage location . more particularly , in one embodiment , an omni - directional , battery - powered , wirelessly - controlled , transport system or so - called automated guided vehicle is designed to follow magnetic field generating wires and rfid chips on the floors of the parking facility to move forward , backward and side to side underneath cars that are parked on a flat surface . in one embodiment , the agv automatically contracts and expands its body to slide its arms under the wheelbase of a car , lift the car , and roll with speed and precision in any direction on to a waiting lift , that will then raise and lower the agv and its automobile payload toward its ultimate destination .