It can move up to 800 boxes an hour and lasts up to eight hours on a single charge

Boston Dynamics has introduced Stretch, a robot for moving boxes in warehouses writes The Verge.

The robot is equipped with a square base with wheels, a “perception mast” with cameras and sensors with which it monitors the situation, as well as a robotic arm with seven different positions and suction cups at the end – it can grip and move boxes weighing up to 23 kg.

When automation equipment is installed in warehouses, it is put in one place and a workspace is built around it, the newspaper notes. The Boston Dynamics robot can move itself to any location in the warehouse where boxes need to be loaded or unloaded.

According to Boston Dynamics vice president of development, Michael Perry, the robot will help automate processes in warehouses where there is no suitable infrastructure. Thanks to the system of machine vision and navigation, he can operate in a space that is minimally adapted for this. The robot can be placed in the aisles between the boxes or next to the conveyor.

Boston Dynamics claims the Stretch can move up to 800 crates per hour and last up to eight hours on a single charge. Any person can operate the robot after a couple of hours of practice.

The cost is still unknown. Boston Dynamics is looking for potential customers to pilot the robot and plans to begin commercial production in 2022.