Boston Dynamics Unveils Production Stretch Robot for Warehouse Logistics
Boston Dynamics showcases the commercially available production version of its Stretch robot at MODEX. The mobile machine unloads trailers by lifting up to 50 pounds of cargo using real-time decision-making.
Boston Dynamics displays the production version of its Stretch robot at the MODEX trade show in Atlanta. The company takes reservations for 2023 and 2024 deliveries after completely selling out of 2022 installation slots. Early adopter customers, including DHL Supply Chain, already commit to deploying the robot at scale.
Stretch serves as a mobile machine that unloads floor-loaded trailers and containers in logistics operations. Its custom vacuum gripper lifts up to 50 lbs at a time and handles packages with complex shapes without needing pre-programmed SKU numbers or prior shape knowledge. Instead, the robot makes all sorting decisions in real-time.
The design evolves from Boston Dynamics' earlier Handle robot by replacing legs with an omni-directional mobile base that features four independently controlled wheels. CEO Robert Playter notes that Stretch works for up to 16 hours on a single charge to address labor shortages and supply chain challenges by taking on physically demanding warehouse jobs.