DHL Supply Chain has announced a ‘multi-year agreement’ with robotics manufacturer Boston Dynamics, worth $15 million, to provide automated robotics solutions for its warehousing needs.
The agreement begins with Boston Dynamics equipping DHL facilities with its latest offering: a robot that its calls Stretch. This makes DHL the first commercial customer for this new robot. Stretch is ‘specifically designed to automate the unloading process in distribution centres’.
Boston Dynamics Chief Executive Robert Playter said: “Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, designed specifically to remedy challenges within the warehouse space.”
He continued: “We are thrilled to be working with DHL Supply Chain to deliver a fleet of robots that will further automate warehousing and improve safety for its associates. We believe Stretch can make a measurable impact on DHL’s business operations, and we’re excited to see the robot in action at scale.”
Over the next three years, a fleet of Stretch robots will be deployed in DHL warehouses throughout North America. This process will begin in spring.
According to Sally Miller, Chief Information Officer at DHL Supply Chain North America: “The Stretch robot addresses complex industry challenges through flexible automation, which we’ll be able to replicate and scale regionally and globally.”
