AutoInput Latest Verdict on being able to unlock the screen with AutoInput

Stock Nexus 6P running Android 8.1 with FingerPrint unlock and smart lock enabled.

I have a task where I Open an App and use AutoInput to click on things; obviously this only works if the screen is on and device is unlocked.
I have tried using different screen lock/unlock commands that I've found in various threads, but it seems the latest verdict is that on anything greater than Android 7.1, you can only get into the phone and past the keyguard if there is no security setting OR if the phone is already unlocked via smart lock or something. Is that still the case? There's no alternative scenario to get the phone to unlock so AutoInput can run?

I know I read some old threads that said you can temporarily disable the security, run your task, and then reenable the security with the SecureSettings plugin; but that app seems to be old and not working.