Force impulse to measure load stability

Systems and methods are disclosed for automated analysis of a load of a robotic vehicle. In one embodiment, a method (e.g., a computer-implemented method) includes lifting a load via a lifting mechanism of a robotic vehicle and applying a first pulse of force to the load. The method further includes obtaining, from one or more sensors, first sensor data related to movement of the load responsive to the first pulse of force applied to the load and determining one or more parameters related to the load based on the first sensor data. The method further includes performing one or more actions based on the one or more parameters related to the load. In this manner, the load is analyzed in an automated manner and appropriate action(s) (e.g., not moving the load because it is unstable, restricting acceleration/deceleration of the robotic vehicle while moving the load, etc.) can be taken.