The technology start-up Rotolatch announced August 16 it had launched RotoBird, a drone delivery latch system that allows aircraft to pick up and drop off products and payloads using an automated winch. Drones equipped with RotoBird technology can now complete a fully autonomous delivery loop, enabling a single drone to fulfill multiple deliveries without the need for human intervention.

Rotolatch employs a patented latch and hook system that automatically engages and disengages, increasing the speed and productivity of drone deliveries.

“The drone delivery industry has made many exciting advancements in technology to push capabilities, reduce cost, and satisfy stringent safety standards. Nevertheless, the requirement for trained personnel to physically load packages for deliveries limits their profitability to high-value targets, like rural and medical deliveries,” said Rotolatch founder and inventor Javier Oliver. “RotoBird provides an inexpensive, elegant solution to the problem of aerial drone pickup and dramatically reduces drone delivery cost.”