In one exemplary embodiment a mechanical gripper mechanism for transporting storage devices and having a cartridge detector is provided. The gripper includes a pair of opposing gripper fingers, where each gripper finger includes a proximal end pivotally mounted to the picker frame, and a distal end adapted to engage minor side surfaces of a storage device. Further, the gripper mechanism includes a cartridge detector extending away from the picker frame and at least partially depressible between the pair of opposing gripper fingers. The distal end of the cartridge detector has a larger cross-sectional area than the proximal end of the cartridge detector.