The proven stretch robot from Boston Dynamics has been used by DHL for some time for the automated unloading of container cranes. Now DHL is paving the way for the procurement of 1,000 additional robots for picking cartons.
Over the past three years, DHL has invested more than €1 billion in automating its contract logistics division. The group now uses over 7,500 robots, more than 200,000 smart handheld devices, and nearly 800,000 IoT sensors worldwide to optimize processes. More than 90% of all DHL warehouses worldwide are now equipped with at least one automation or digitalization solution.
The new agreement with Boston Dynamics represents a significant milestone in an already highly successful collaboration. This partnership, which began in 2018, has since resulted in numerous improvements in the automation of logistics processes. The group's contract logistics division reportedly paved the way by having already commercially launched Stretch in North America and recently expanded its use to the United Kingdom and Europe.
Stretch can unload up to 700 cartons per hour and also significantly improves employee satisfaction by reducing physically demanding work in truck trailers, which are extremely hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter. The partnership has particularly driven the joint product development of integrated, end-to-end automation solutions, which—as successfully demonstrated in the UK project—include conveyor belts and palletizers. To further build on these successes, DHL is now exploring how the technology can be further developed and deployed in other business areas. One key task, for example, is picking cartons—the most labor-intensive activity within the supply chain.
“With our agenda for faster digitalization, we are committed to maximizing the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations and business units,” says Sally Miller, Global CIO of DHL Supply Chain. “This newly defined collaboration represents a fundamental shift in thinking, reorganizing how we work and simultaneously improving service for our customers. Through the expanded partnership with Boston Dynamics, DHL will take a more active role in designing and controlling robots. The goal is to create more resilient, responsive, and intelligent solutions that address the unique challenges of our daily work.”
