System and methods for automatic payload pickup by UAV

A method of payload retrieval including the steps of:

• providing a payload retrieval system comprising:
• a UAV having a payload receptacle positioned within the UAV;
• a payload coupling apparatus positioned within the payload receptacle;
• a tether having a first end secured within the UAV and a second end attached to the payload coupling apparatus;
• and
• a payload guiding member positioned in an underside of the UAV for guiding, during retrieval of a payload having tapered upper walls and an upwardly extending handle, at least part of the payload into the payload receptacle to enable the payload coupling apparatus positioned with the payload receptacle to be secured to the handle of the payload, wherein the payload guiding member includes inwardly tapered walls on an interior of the payload guiding member that are configured to conform to the tapered upper walls of the payload;
• positioning the UAV over the payload;
• lowering the UAV until a portion of the handle of the payload is positioned within the payload guiding member;
• guiding the handle of the payload with the payload guiding member towards the payload receptacle;
• further lowering the UAV until the portion of the handle of the payload is in a desired position within the payload receptacle;
• securing the handle of the payload to the payload coupling apparatus within the payload receptacle;
• and
• flying the UAV with the payload secured within the payload receptacle.

A method of payload retrieval including the steps of:

• providing a payload retrieval system comprising:
• a UAV having a payload receptacle positioned within the UAV;
• a payload coupling apparatus positioned within the payload receptacle;
• a tether having a first end secured within the UAV and a second end attached to the payload coupling apparatus;
• and
• a payload guiding member positioned in an underside of the UAV for guiding, during retrieval of a payload having tapered upper walls and an upwardly extending handle, at least a portion of the payload into the payload receptacle to enable the payload coupling apparatus positioned within the payload receptacle to be secured to the handle of the payload, wherein the payload guiding member includes inwardly tapered walls on an interior of the payload guiding member that are configured to conform to the tapered upper walls of the payload;
• landing the UAV on a payload loading apparatus at a payload retrieval site, where the payload is positioned beneath the UAV;
• pushing the payload upwardly until the handle of the payload is positioned within the payload guiding member;
• guiding the handle of the payload with the payload guiding member towards the payload receptacle;
• further pushing the payload upwardly until the handle of the payload is in a desired position within the payload receptacle;
• securing the handle of the payload to the payload coupling apparatus within the payload receptacle;
• and
• flying the UAV with the payload secured within the payload receptacle from the payload retrieval site.