Boston dynamics’ warehouse robot gets a $ 15 m gig working for DHL
- ByStartupStory | January 27, 2022
Last year in March, Boston Dynamics revealed its second commercial robot, Stretch, the system, built from its affecting box- moving handle concept, is designed to bring the company’s advanced robotics technologies into a warehouse/ logistics ambient – fluently one of the hottest categories in robotics these days.
Lately, the Hyundai- owned firm announced its first commercial customer — and it’s a big one.
Logistics giant DHL has committed to a multi- year $ 15 million deal( or “ investment” the parties are bearing) set to be getting a fleet” of the robots to DHL logistics centers over the next three years.
Stretch Will get to work unloading trucks to start — an attribute it’s engenders have highlighted as a key part of its initial roll out .
Additional tasks will be added over the course of the roll out in an effort to further auto mate the package – handling process.
Says CEO, Robert Playter,” stretch is Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, designed specifically to remedy outcomes within the warehouse space.
We are elated to be working with DHL Supply chain to deliver a fleet of robots that will further auto mate ware housing and improving safety for its associates.
We deem that stretch can make a measurable impact on DHL’s business operations, and we are excited to see the robot in action at scale.”
The partnership will be a key proving ground for Boston Dynamics’ commercial ambitious beyond its on going spot deployment.
Package handling is an intensive, highly repetitive job that demands long hours, strain and multiple points of failure.
This will be a major test for the company under, Hyundai, which has sought to further its commercial ambitions.
For DHL, meanwhile, it’s an occasion to automate some logistics roles during a time when blue- collar jobs have proven difficult to keep staffed.
It’s also a chance to more fully embrace automation as it completes with the likes of Amazon which has begun steadily encroaching on the package – delivery space.