An item manipulator for an automated storage unit, comprising a pincer-like grip device preset on a supporting plate for said items, said pincer-like device comprising: - two opposite longitudinal grip blades (13, 14), of which one can move with respect to the other, respectively a first blade and a second blade, - first means for the translation of said blades (13, 14) in a first direction which is parallel to the direction of extension of said blades (13, 14), - second means for translation in a second direction which is perpendicular to said first direction and lies on a plane that is parallel to the plane of arrangement of said plate, - means for the controlled mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14), said first translation means being constituted by two mutually opposite lateral sliders joined by a transverse element and designed to translate on corresponding lateral guides, said lateral guides being extended in a parallel manner on two opposite longitudinal sides of said plate, means for movement in said first direction being associated with one of said lateral guides, wherein said second translation means are formed by a slider to which said second blade and said means for the mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14) are coupled, characterized in that said slider is able to slide on a translation screw and a guide, said guide being transverse to said lateral guides, said translation screw being moved by an electric motor, and said means for the controlled mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14) extend from said slider and comprise: - an electric motor, - a screw, which is parallel to said translation screw and is moved by said motor, - a lead screw, which can slide on said screw and is integral with a block, - said block, a lever being hinged to said block, - said lever in turn being hinged to said slider by means of a shaft/pivot, - said shaft/pivot, with an axis of extension that is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of said plate, said shaft/pivot being fixed to/integral with one end of said second blade and with said lever. - two opposite longitudinal grip blades (13, 14), of which one can move with respect to the other, respectively a first blade and a second blade, - first means for the translation of said blades (13, 14) in a first direction which is parallel to the direction of extension of said blades (13, 14), - second means for translation in a second direction which is perpendicular to said first direction and lies on a plane that is parallel to the plane of arrangement of said plate, - means for the controlled mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14), said first translation means being constituted by two mutually opposite lateral sliders joined by a transverse element and designed to translate on corresponding lateral guides, said lateral guides being extended in a parallel manner on two opposite longitudinal sides of said plate, means for movement in said first direction being associated with one of said lateral guides, wherein said second translation means are formed by a slider to which said second blade and said means for the mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14) are coupled, characterized in that said slider is able to slide on a translation screw and a guide, said guide being transverse to said lateral guides, said translation screw being moved by an electric motor, and said means for the controlled mutual approach/spacing of said blades (13, 14) extend from said slider and comprise: - an electric motor, - a screw, which is parallel to said translation screw and is moved by said motor, - a lead screw, which can slide on said screw and is integral with a block, - said block, a lever being hinged to said block, - said lever in turn being hinged to said slider by means of a shaft/pivot, - said shaft/pivot, with an axis of extension that is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of said plate, said shaft/pivot being fixed to/integral with one end of said second blade and with said lever. - an electric motor, - a screw, which is parallel to said translation screw and is moved by said motor, - a lead screw, which can slide on said screw and is integral with a block, - said block, a lever being hinged to said block, - said lever in turn being hinged to said slider by means of a shaft/pivot, - said shaft/pivot, with an axis of extension that is perpendicular to the plane of arrangement of said plate, said shaft/pivot being fixed to/integral with one end of said second blade and with said lever.