Abstract: A method of picking a top component reel from a stack of component reels includes lowering a picking arm over a rod extending through the stack of component reels to above a top component reel of the stack, the arm comprising a plurality of alignment tabs and a gripper positioned such that, with the picking arm lowered the rod extends through the gripper and between the alignment tabs of the picking arm. The method includes actuating the alignment tabs to engage the rod and align the rod with respect to the picking arm, inserting a portion of the gripper into a hole of the top component reel, actuating the gripper to engage opposing inner surfaces of the top component reel at the hole of the top component reel, and with the gripper engaged, raising the picking arm to lift the top component reel from the stack of component reels.