Stretch at DHL | Automated Trailer Unloading

DHL Supply Chain is deploying Stretch to automate trailer unloading and support warehouse associates.

In the past 8-10 years there have been tremendous advancements in warehouse automation. DHL has been a leader in deploying automation technology to improve efficiency, drive cost-effectiveness, and support exceptional employee experiences. Discover how they are putting Stretch to work.

[jonsteen]

Years ago, I was a package handler for UPS, doing precisely what Stretch is doing. I'm very happy to see this role automated. This repetitive task was hella rough on the body.

[EricMonroe]

The new base on Stretch makes a lot more sense than the original concept. Would love to see a full spec sheet.

[wormjuice]

About 18 years ago me and another worker were unloading boxes like these for months in a company in my hometown.
I talked to the guy about how in the near future all that would be automated.
Ofcourse he did not believe me, but he hoped. Well, here you go.

Awesome work guys!

[AnthonyGale]

I did this same job at a Walmart distribution center and I absolutely hated it and so did my coworkers. In the summer it's 120+ degrees in the trailer and in the winter it's below freezing. Glad the robots are taking this job, it's not fun.

[Jesse__H]

I like that it still drops boxes sometimes 😁. And I like that this showcase video doesn't hide that fact.

[tcdahn]

Floor loads are the hardest thing to do in a warehouse. We used to hire temp workers, cause the regular employees would quit if they constantly had to unload trailers by hand.

[mostlylucid]

Glad to see it’s finally been put into use

[PaulKeppler]

I've never seen a trailer loaded so nicely. Let's see it in the wild.

[landonferguson]

Would show more of the robots abilities if the trailer was filled with boxes of many different sizes.

[philiporme]

I did this job years ago and its incredibly difficult to do for 8 hours. It gets incredibly hot inside those containers when it’s sunny outside, and it’s just quite a mind numbing thing to do.
Boston Dynamics is just the most exciting company out there at the moment. Every video they release just astounds!

[joshuajaydan]

If you have ever had to unload containers, you know this is awesome.

[PeterLindgren]

I was doing this for a full year. Every single day I wished I could be replaced by something like this.
It’s awesome to see!

[TheRealASN]

Nice to see real world deployment of stretch. Looks like it’s come a long way since conception.

[doodskie]

I remember doing this backbreaking work 10 years ago at my local delivery. The amount of times I hear something break is too many. Im happy that this technology is now being utilized, it saves people's backs and lessens item damage plus it makes the process faster.

[superior]

Finally
I can't wait for Stretch to hold my package

Edit: my DHL PACKAGE!

[mr.griffe]

As someone who spent a year and a half loading and unloading trucks I'm glad this exists.
It's one of the hardest jobs out there because of the extreme heat, and cold.

I want to see what the robot does when the rollers can't reach the back of the trailer

[ΔημήτρηςΚ-δδ]

What i am hyped about in the future, is that even though there is gonna be a lot of automation, people are going to avoid loads of work accidents and hazards, and possibly get an overall higher quality of life through technology

[bumblegoot]

I get such an overwhelming sense of childlike wonder and amazement when I see what you guys are capable of creating. I can’t control the smile I get when I see Stretch in action, it looks like CGI but it’s real! We are in the future. Thank you for everything you do at BD!

[vasiovasio]

Give the Robots Heavy Lifting and Boring things, and lets Humans again be ordinary People doing meaningful and creative things! Keep going, Boston Dynamics!

[MinersLoveGames]

That's so fascinating to watch. Here I am looking at trying to get jobs at warehouses doing what Stretch is doing, when I should be looking at getting a job that does the programming and operation of these things.