Abstract: A system for handling drill rods comprising: a rod carrier comprising a cassette body configured for storing at least one drill rod and an actuating mechanism configured to move the drill rod between a first position in the cassette body and a second position; a drilling rig comprising a mast adapted to receive the drill rod; and a manipulator configured to move the drill rod between the second position and the mast, wherein the system for handling drill rods also comprises at least one control unit configured to allow the manipulator to determine the location of the rod carrier and/or the drill rod and to direct handling of the drill rod between the second position and the mast.