Boston Dynamics partners with DHL to deploy Stretch robotic truck unloaders
DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American leader in contract logistics within Deutsche Post DHL Group, has announced a $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics, a global leader in mobile robotics, to further automate warehouse operations in North America.
The companies have signed a multi-year agreement that begins with equipping DHL facilities with the latest Stretch robot from Boston Dynamics, designed specifically to automate truck unloading at distribution centers.
The agreement is the culmination of several years of strategic collaboration between the two companies while Stretch was being developed and tested. Boston Dynamics will supply a fleet of Stretch robots to several DHL warehouses across North America over the next three years. The DHL deal marks the first commercial purchase of Stretch.
The investment is part of DHL Supply Chain's accelerated digitalization program, a strategy to develop and scale innovative solutions and new technologies. Stretch will take on several box-handling tasks in the warehouse, starting with unloading trucks at some DHL facilities.
After the initial deployment, the multipurpose mobile robot will perform additional tasks to support other parts of the warehouse workflow, enabling efficient automation of warehouse operations.
“At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to continuous innovation and digital transformation to optimize the end-to-end supply chain. Investing in warehouse automation plays an important role in improving operational efficiency and enhancing service for our customers. We are pleased to work with Boston Dynamics to deploy best-in-class robotics in our warehouses. The Stretch robot addresses complex industry challenges through flexible automation, which we can replicate and scale regionally and globally”
Stretch is built on decades of Boston Dynamics robotics advances to create a flexible, easily integrated solution that can operate in any warehouse to increase throughput and improve employee safety by performing physically demanding tasks.
Stretch features a compact omnidirectional mobile base, a specially designed lightweight arm, and an intelligent gripper with advanced sensors and controls that can handle boxes of many types and sizes. It also includes Boston Dynamics' computer vision technology, which makes it easy to identify boxes without prior programming. Stretch can operate autonomously in complex situations, such as disordered stacking configurations and recovering fallen boxes.
“Stretch is Boston Dynamics' newest robot, designed specifically to address challenges in warehouse spaces. We are excited to work with DHL Supply Chain to deliver a fleet of robots that will further automate warehousing and improve employee safety. We believe Stretch can have a meaningful impact on DHL's business operations, and we look forward to seeing the robot in action at scale”
Deployment of the first Stretch units in DHL warehouses will begin in spring 2022, and DHL plans to gradually scale Boston Dynamics robots to perform additional tasks at several facilities over the next few years.
DHL is a leading global logistics brand. The company's divisions offer an unmatched portfolio of logistics services, ranging from national and international parcel delivery and e-commerce solutions to international express, road, air and ocean freight, and industrial supply chain management.
DHL, which employs around 400,000 people in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, reliably and securely connects people and businesses, enabling sustainable global trade flows. Offering specialized solutions for growing markets and industries, including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing and energy, automotive, and retail, DHL confidently positions itself as "the logistics company for the world".
DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. In 2020, Group revenue exceeded €66 billion. Through sustainable business practices and commitment to society and the environment, the company makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emission logistics by 2050.
Boston Dynamics is a global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the most demanding robotics challenges. The company's robots offer enhanced mobility, agility and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-reach environments, from industrial facilities and construction sites to distribution centers and warehouses.
Boston Dynamics' portfolio includes three robots: Spot, a four-legged robot widely available for commercial and industrial use; Stretch, currently used by early logistics customers; and Atlas, a bipedal platform for research and development.
