DHL Supply Chain has announced a USD15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics to further automate warehousing in North America. The companies have signed a multi-year agreement that begins with equipping DHL facilities with Stretch, Boston Dynamics’ newest robot specifically designed to automate the unloading process in distribution centres.

Boston Dynamics will deliver a fleet of Stretch robots to multiple DHL warehouses throughout North America over the next three years. The deal with DHL marks the first commercial purchase of Stretch, which was unveiled in 2021.

The investment is part of DHL Supply Chain's Accelerated Digitalization agenda, a strategy for developing and scaling innovative solutions and new technologies.

“At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to continuous innovation and digital transformation to optimise the end-to-end supply chain. Investing in warehouse automation plays an important role in increasing operational efficiency and improving service for our customers,” says Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America. “The Stretch robot addresses complex industry challenges through flexible automation, which we’ll be able to replicate and scale regionally and globally.”

Deployment of the first Stretch units in DHL warehouses will begin this northern spring, and DHL plans to gradually scale Boston Dynamics’ robots for additional tasks and across multiple facilities in phases over the next few years.