Systems and methods for releasing semiconductor devices during pick and place operations are disclosed. A representative system for handling semiconductor dies comprises a support member positioned to carry at least one semiconductor die releasably attached to a support substrate. The system further includes a picking device having a pick head coupleable to a vacuum source and positioned to releasably attach to the semiconductor die at a pick station. The system still further includes a release station having a fluid delivery device coupleable to a source of release fluid, the fluid delivery device having an exit positioned to direct release fluid toward a semiconductor die carried by the support member at the release station.