Boston Dynamics Unveils Warehouse Robot
Boston Dynamics has launched a new case-handling robot named “Stretch” designed for warehouse automation. The robot is built for seamless integration with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and multi-agent orchestration platforms. This development signals continued innovation in physical automation for logistics environments.
- Stretch is engineered to lift cases weighing up to 50 pounds (22.7 kg) and can achieve a throughput of moving up to 800 heavy boxes per hour. - The robot operates autonomously without needing pre-programmed SKU information or box sizes, instead relying on an advanced vision system to make all decisions in real time. - It is designed for existing warehouse spaces with a mobile base that has the footprint of a standard pallet and an omni-directional wheeled design for navigating tight spaces. - The technology is an evolution of a previous Boston Dynamics research robot called "Handle," which combined legs and wheels. - Early commercial adoption was strong, with the entire 2022 production run selling out to customers including DHL Supply Chain, Gap, H&M, and Performance Team – A Maersk Company. - DHL committed to a $15 million pre-order to automate its North American warehouses, and NFI later signed a $10 million deal to deploy Stretch, starting with a pilot in Savannah, Georgia. - It can operate for a full shift on a single charge, with a standard battery life of 8 hours and an optional high-capacity battery that extends its runtime to 16 hours. - Boston Dynamics is developing additional skills for Stretch beyond its initial truck and container unloading capabilities, with plans to introduce applications for palletizing and order building.
