Automated data storage library drone accessor

A data storage system, the system comprising:

• a data storage library for the storage, reading, and writing of data on a plurality of data storage cartridges,
• a plurality of storage slots for holding the data storage cartridges;
• one or more data storage drives;
• at least one drone vehicle configured for moving within a data storage library;
• at least one docking station configured to retain the at least one drone vehicle;
• a processing device;
• and
• a computer-readable memory,
• wherein the data storage library has a frame for enclosing the plurality of data storage cartridges, the plurality of storage slots, the one or more data storage drives, the at least one drone vehicle, and the at least one docking station,
• wherein the computer-readable memory contains programming instructions that are configured to cause the processing device to:
• receive a request to transfer a data storage component to a destination location in the data storage library frame,
• in response to receiving the request, instruct the at least one drone vehicle to perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location, and
• by the at least one drone vehicle moving within an interior of the data storage library frame, perform at least part of the transfer of the data storage component to the destination location.