diff --git a/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py b/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
index 0e175968..3e83380a 100644
--- a/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
+++ b/daq/src/aaredaq/daq.py
@@ -356,9 +356,10 @@ class AareDAQ:
             logger.debug(f"Post tell mount, pre db input")
             if value is not None:
                 if value == "No Pin in Gripper":
-                    logger.info("No sample was detected in gripper")
+                    logger.error("No sample was detected in gripper")
+                    self.__devs.tell.dry(wait=True)
                     self.__aare.sample_failed(target, failed_comment = "No sample was detected in gripper")
-                    raise Exception("No sample was detected in gripper")
+                    raise Exception("No sample was detected in gripper, drying gripper")
                 elif value == "dry":
                     logger.info("Robot is drying")
                 else:
@@ -367,7 +368,7 @@ class AareDAQ:
             mounted = self.__devs.tell.get_mounted_sample()
             logger.info(f"response from tell {mounted}")
             if not mounted:
-                logger.info(f"Failed to mount target: {target.db_id} {target.location} {target.pin}")
+                logger.error(f"Failed to mount target: {target.db_id} {target.location} {target.pin}")
                 self.__aare.sample_failed(target, failed_comment = "No sample was mounted")
                 raise Exception("No sample was mounted")