This invention provides an automated system and method that allows a user to track the movement of an object, such as at least one cell amongst a plurality of cells as it moves from one point to another over time in order for the user to determine how the at least one cell functions. The user is able to track the movement of the at least one cell and determine if the at least one cell structure has changed, such as the at least one cell experiencing cell division or if two or more cells merge together. This user is able to optimally track the at least one cell to find an approximate location of at least one the cell as it moves in time and distance. Thus, this invention provides the user with a means to track cell movement to study the cell function.