Automated grain unloading system and related methods

An automated grain unloading system for a supplying container with a grain transfer element configured to transfer grain from the supplying container to a receiving container, the automated grain unloading system comprising:

• at least one sensor configured to detect an interface between an upper surface of a grain mound in the receiving container and an interior surface of a wall of the receiving container, the at least one sensor is further configured to detect at least a portion of an upper edge of the wall, and the at least one sensor is further configured to detect an orientation of the grain transfer element;
• and
• a processor configured to compare the detected interface and the detected portion of the upper edge to the detected orientation of the grain transfer element, and the processor is further configured to control the operation of the grain transfer element to direct a transfer of grain from the supplying container to the receiving container based at least in part on a result of the comparison of the detected interface and the detected portion of the upper edge to the detected orientation of the grain transfer element.