Boston Dynamics' New Commercial Robot Revealed

Boston Dynamics' Evolution: From Research to Commercial Robotics

The progression of Boston Dynamics from a long-standing robotics research firm to a company focused on producing and selling robotic hardware has been remarkably interesting to observe. The company has encountered challenges along the way, notably learning that the majority of robots globally will ultimately be utilized for routine, everyday tasks.

While the company will undoubtedly continue to engage the public with captivating videos showcasing its technology, the primary focus when it comes to sales remains on jobs that are considered dull, dirty, or dangerous – tasks that humans generally prefer to avoid. Robotics, more often than not, represent sophisticated technology applied to rather unglamorous applications.

Spot's Success and the Three Ds

Spot has achieved significant success as an inspection robot. This quadrupedal machine has been deployed in hazardous environments like oil rigs and nuclear power plants, locations where human presence is often limited. This addresses the 'dangerous' aspect of what's been termed the 'three Ds', and the company’s next robot aims to tackle the 'dull' component.

The scale of the shipping and logistics industry is substantial, and with the increasing volume of online orders, it continues to expand. Consequently, numerous robotics companies, including Locus, Fetch, and Berkshire Grey, are dedicating their resources to automating this sector. As a recent interviewee, the CEO of Locus, stated, many are seeking technologies to effectively compete with Amazon’s extensive robotics infrastructure.

Introducing Stretch: The Next Generation Commercial Robot

Stretch, currently in the prototype phase, is the commercial iteration of Handle, a robot initially presented in a viral YouTube video over four years ago. The original wheeled robot demonstrated exceptional balance and adaptability while navigating obstacles. It also successfully lifted a 100-pound crate, a capability that would later become central to its development.

The ability of Handle to lift boxes originated even earlier, in a demonstration featuring the company’s humanoid robot, Atlas. Kevin Blankespoor, VP of Product Engineering at Boston Dynamics, explains to TechCrunch, “We showcased box moving, among other functions, and it generated considerable interest from warehouse personnel.” They expressed a desire for Atlas to work in their facilities, prompting the company to explore designing a simpler robot specifically for warehouse tasks, which ultimately led to the creation of Handle.

Blankespoor further elaborates that Handle was conceived from a long-held ambition to integrate wheels with legs, initiating early experiments in designing a robot capable of moving objects within a warehouse environment.

Initial testing with Handle in warehouses involved unloading pallets, which proved successful. However, unloading trucks presented challenges. While Handle could perform the task, it was too slow due to the confined space and the need for extensive maneuvering.

A 2019 video showcased Handle equipped with a large, top-mounted arm and a gripper utilizing suction cups, demonstrating its ability to move boxes between pallets. However, the current design of Stretch reflects a significant rethinking of the robot to ensure commercial viability.

Key Design Changes in Stretch

The most noticeable change is the removal of Handle’s two large wheels, replaced by a large black platform. “The mobile base is sized to match a pallet, enabling it to navigate any area accessible to a pallet within the warehouse,” says Blankespoor.

While wheels remain, they are less prominent – four smaller wheels are now concealed beneath the base’s corners. These provide omnidirectional movement, allowing for a wide range of motion and tight turns for a robot of its size. A “perception mast” is also included, functioning as the robot’s visual system for autonomous navigation and object selection.

Stretch was developed by Boston Dynamics’ dedicated warehouse division, now comprising approximately 100 employees. This team includes personnel acquired through the company’s 2019 acquisition of Kinema Systems. The San Francisco-based company’s 3D vision technology has been integrated to enhance Stretch’s picking capabilities.

Applications and Future Outlook

Initial applications for Stretch include truck unloading and order fulfillment – combining goods onto a single pallet. Truck loading is also being explored, though it remains in the early stages of development. The system is designed for easy integration, unlike the comprehensive automation solutions offered by companies like Berkshire Grey. Compatibility with existing warehouse systems is also a priority.

Boston Dynamics intends to begin building the first Stretch units this summer, with sales commencing next year. Pricing details are not yet available, but Blankespoor indicates it will be “comparable to a conventional robotic system found in factories, where the robot is fixed to the floor.”

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