[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] On May 19, industry sources reported that Boston Dynamics, the robotics affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with global logistics giant DHL Group to supply an additional 1,000 units of its logistics automation robot, Stretch.
This agreement follows the successful deployment of Stretch by DHL to automate container unloading tasks.
Boston Dynamics plans to expand its collaboration with DHL to apply robotic technology across a wider range of logistics operations in the future.
Stretch can automatically handle up to 700 boxes per hour, and it performs effectively even in extreme temperature environments, significantly reducing the burden of manual labor.
DHL first deployed Stretch at its North American logistics centers in 2023 and has since expanded its use across the UK and Europe.
The partnership between Boston Dynamics and DHL goes beyond a simple supply relationship, evolving into a collaborative model that includes joint development, testing, and operations.
DHL provides real-world logistics environments for testing, along with critical feedback and industry-specific insights that help advance the technology.
The two companies are also exploring the application of Stretch in high-labor-intensity tasks such as case picking.
Additionally, they have already deployed an integrated automation system—combining conveyor systems and palletizers—at a DHL logistics center in the UK. Based on this, both companies aim to expand end-to-end logistics automation solutions globally.
AlphaBIZ Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
