Boston Dynamics Stretch — Specs & Review
Specifications
| Brand | Boston Dynamics |
|---|---|
| Model | Stretch |
| Year | 2022 |
| Category | Logistics |
| Autonomy | fully-autonomous |
| Environment | indoor |
| Dimensions | 90cm L × 84cm W × 193cm H |
| Connectivity | WiFi, Ethernet |
| Country of origin | US |
Key features
- 800 boxes per hour throughput
- 23 kg box payload capacity
- Computer vision box identification
- Handles irregular box shapes
- Autonomous mobile base
- Truck unloading specialist
- Custom suction + mechanical gripper
What is it?
Boston Dynamics Stretch is a mobile box-moving robot designed for truck unloading and depalletising in distribution centres, using computer vision and a custom gripper to handle irregular box shapes autonomously.
Who is it for?
- Large distribution centres where truck unloading is the primary labour bottleneck
- 3PL operators handling high volumes of inbound mixed-SKU trailer shipments
- E-commerce fulfilment hubs with 24/7 receiving operations
- Grocery and retail DCs where ergonomic injury risk in unloading is a workforce concern
Key specs
- Throughput: up to 800 boxes/hour
- Box payload: up to 23 kg
- Vision: computer vision for irregular box identification
- Base: autonomous mobile platform
- Gripper: custom suction + mechanical
How it compares
Vs conveyor-based unloaders: Stretch handles irregular, mixed-SKU boxes that fixed conveyors cannot — a significant operational advantage. Vs human unloaders: Stretch eliminates the most physically demanding warehouse task and operates continuously without fatigue.
Limitations
- Very high upfront cost estimated at $300,000–$400,000+
- Not suitable for fragile or non-standard package types
- Requires specific trailer configurations for optimal performance
- Throughput of 800 boxes/hour still below peak human team performance
FAQ
How much does Boston Dynamics Stretch cost?
Boston Dynamics Stretch is available through enterprise contracts. Pricing is not publicly listed — contact Boston Dynamics directly. Industry estimates place the robot in the $300,000–$400,000 range per unit.
What is Boston Dynamics Stretch used for?
Stretch is designed for truck unloading and depalletising in warehouse and distribution centre environments, autonomously identifying, picking up, and moving boxes from truck trailers to conveyor belts or pallets.
What are the key specs of Boston Dynamics Stretch?
Stretch can move up to 800 boxes per hour, handles boxes weighing up to 23 kg, uses computer vision to identify and grasp irregular box shapes, and operates on a mobile base that navigates autonomously to truck trailers.
Who is Boston Dynamics Stretch designed for?
Stretch is designed for large distribution centres and 3PL operators whose truck unloading operations are a significant labour bottleneck — particularly operations handling high volumes of inbound shipments from mixed-SKU trailers.
What makes Stretch different from other logistics robots?
Stretch targets a specific bottleneck — truck unloading — that most general-purpose AMRs cannot address. It uses an advanced gripper and vision system to handle irregular box shapes, unlike conveyor-based unloading systems that require uniform packaging.