Hierarchical Sample Storage System

A system for storing samples, the system comprising at least one first cabinet, and at least one first box, wherein:

• the first cabinet comprises first cabinet control electronics and is configured to receive the first box;
• the first box comprises first box control electronics and is configured to receive the one or more sample containers, each sample container comprising container electronics and configured to store a sample;
• the first box control electronics is configured to communicate with the container electronics of each sample container received by the first box;
• the container electronics of each sample container is configured to communicate sample-identification information for the sample stored in the sample container to the first box control electronics;
• the first box control electronics is configured to communicate the sample identification information towards the first cabinet control electronics;
• and
• the first cabinet control electronics is configured to communicate the sample-identification information to a host computer for the system.