Boston Dynamics is one of the most recognisable names in robotics, thanks largely to two headline-grabbing creations.
Atlas is a bipedal humanoid robot that can run, jump and even dance in an eerily lifelike fashion.
Spot is even more media-friendly, being a quadrupedal robot ‘dog’ that can walk around its surroundings using multiple 3D cameras to map and assess the environment.
Now, the company has unveiled a new model called ‘Stretch’ that isn’t quite as glamorous, but may be much more functional.
Robotics research often centres on either versatility or creating a machine that can excel in a single task.
Stretch is firmly in the latter camp, as it has been designed specifically to do one thing: move boxes and crates in a warehouse setting.
It might not have the versatility of some other robots, but Stretch is certainly effective and can move an impressive 800 crates in an hour.
It is the first single-purpose robot built by Boston Dynamics, and, according to the company’s vice president of business development Michael Perry, it’s a direct response to requests from potential customers.
He told Reuters that Stretch was designed because the company had been told that truck unloading was one of the “most physically difficult and unpleasant jobs” in the warehousing sector.
Stretch is mobile, strong and aware of its surroundings
Most robots working in warehouse and manufacturing environments tend to stay in one place, but Stretch is fully mobile.
The robot is able to navigate the warehouse space using a ‘perception mast’ studded with cameras and other sensors, which allow it to avoid collisions.
It is mounted on a relatively small square wheeled base, meaning that it can be integrated into many existing warehouse spaces without the need for extra infrastructure such as rails to be fitted, or for spaces to be reconfigured.
It also has a robotic arm that can move freely in any direction, and is equipped with a smart gripper and suction pad array.
It is able to identify, handle and move a wide range of boxes and shrink-wrapped cases, lifting packages that weigh up to 23kg (50lb).
Boston Dynamics has not announced a price for Stretch, but the robot could well be in demand.
The warehousing sector saw rapid growth as the pandemic fuelled online shopping, and it’s expected that much of that extra demand will remain.
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