A robotics module for a storage library includes a robot assembly and a cable mechanism within a housing. A cable is routed around the cable mechanism. An end of the cable is connected to the robot assembly to communicate with the robot assembly. The cable mechanism enables the cable to be pulled out from cable mechanism as the robot assembly moves away from the housing. The cable mechanism prevents the cable from being retracted back into the cable mechanism after the robot assembly has moved out of the housing by wedging the cable with a roller. The cable mechanism enables the cable to be retracted back into the cable mechanism while the robot assembly is in the housing by pulling the roller away from the cable. A retraction handle assembly enables the cable to be manually retracted back into the cable mechanism while the robot assembly is in the housing.