Determining center of gravity of an automated aerial vehicle and a payload

A computer-implemented method for selecting an automated aerial vehicle, comprising:

• under control of one or more computing systems configured with executable instructions,
• determining a center of gravity of a payload to be transported by an automated aerial vehicle;
• selecting an automated aerial vehicle from a plurality of available automated aerial vehicles based at least in part on the center of gravity of the payload, wherein each of the plurality of automated aerial vehicles have a different automated aerial vehicle configuration and each automated aerial vehicle configuration is configured to engage payloads having different centers of gravity;
• and
• instructing the automated aerial vehicle to engage the payload.

A system for transporting a payload, comprising:

• an automated aerial vehicle having a frame and a payload engagement element coupled to the frame and configured to engage a payload;
• and
• a memory coupled to a processor and storing program instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to at least:
• prior to engaging a payload by the automated aerial vehicle, determine a center of gravity of the payload;
• select, based at least in part on the determined center of gravity of the payload, an engagement location from a plurality of engagement locations for engaging the payload with the payload engagement element;
• and
• cause engagement of the payload and the payload engagement element utilizing the selected engagement location.