---
publication_id: "OT-2026-000000505"
title: "UAV Autoloader Systems and Methods"
published_at: "2026-09-15T19:02:59.453780Z"
canonical_url: "https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000000505"
categories:
  - "sensors-controls-machine-vision/industrial-control"
keywords:
  - "g05d1/667"
  - "b64d1/22"
  - "b64u10/60"
  - "b64u2101/30"
  - "b64u2101/66"
---

# UAV Autoloader Systems and Methods

## Abstract

A method includes determining, by an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a position of an autoloader device for the UAV; based on the determined position of the autoloader device, causing the UAV to follow a descent trajectory in which the UAV moves from a starting position to a first nudged position in order to deploy a tethered pickup component of the UAV to a payout position on an approach side of the autoloader device; deploying the tethered pickup component of the UAV to the payout position; causing the UAV to follow a side-step trajectory in which the UAV moves laterally to a second nudged position in order to cause the tethered pickup component of the UAV to engage the autoloader device; and retracting the tethered pickup component of the UAV to pick up a payload from the autoloader device.