DHL Group, a global leader in logistics, is expanding its already strong relationship with Boston Dynamics. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), DHL plans to deploy 1,000+ additional Stretch robots from Boston Dynamics by 2030. The companies are also looking to expand the types of applications Stretch is used for, beyond container unloading.
DHL and Boston Dynamics have been working together since 2018. DHL first deployed Stretch in North America in 2023. The logistics giant has also deployed the robot in the United Kingdom and Europe, achieving unloading rates of up to 700 cases per hour.
DHL said it plans to further integrate Stretch into its operations. A key area of development is case picking, which DHL pointed out is one of the most labor-intensive activities within its supply chain.
“We’ll work together to prioritize the application development of mobile case picking as well as explore other synergies across DHL’s divisions,” a Boston Dynamics spokesperson told The Robot Report. Watch the video below for examples of mobile case picking applications for Stretch.
DHL said it has invested more than €1 billion in automation within its contract logistics division over the last three years. The company said it has deployed more than 7,500 robots across its global network. AutoStore, Fox Robotics, Geek+, and Locus Robotics are some of the other notable robotics companies DHL works with.
In June 2024, DHL announced it surpassed 500 million picks with Locus’ autonomous mobile robots alone. It took DHL 2.5 years to reach the first 10 million picks with the LocusBots and 28 months to complete the next 100 million picks. Remarkably, the last 100 million picks took just 154 days.
“Through our Accelerated Digitalization agenda, we are committed to maximizing the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations and business units,” said Sally Miller, global CIO of DHL Supply Chain. “It’s a fundamental shift that’s reshaping how we operate and elevate service for our customers. Through this expanded partnership with Boston Dynamics, DHL will take a more active role in shaping and directing robotics development alongside key partners, focusing on building more resilient, responsive, and smarter solutions that address the unique challenges of our company. Together, we’re setting new standards for the logistics industry.”
DHL said more than 90% of its warehouses worldwide use at least one form of automation or digitalization. Other companies that make robots to unload containers include Contoro Robotics, Dexterity, Mujin, Pickle Robot, Slip Robotics, and XYZ Robotics.
“We are proud to continue strengthening our collaboration with DHL Group,” said Boston Dynamics CEO Robert Playter. “Our teams have been on a journey of innovation together to create a practical and effective warehouse robotics solution, and this is the natural next step in what has been an excellent relationship. Stretch is ideally suited to be the first multi-use case, box picking robot that can meet the diverse needs of DHL. Together, we are striving to set an example of practical leadership of the modern supply chain.”
Boston Dynamics continues to scale
Once primarily known as a cutting-edge research and development outfit, Boston Dynamics is increasingly scaling its commercial robots. During his keynote at the Robotics Summit & ExpoCTO Aaron Saunders said there are 2,000+ Spot quadrupeds operating around the world. It is now starting to scale Stretch with DHL.
But Boston Dynamics’ biggest customer could be its owner, Hyundai. In 2021, Hyundai acquired Boston Dynamics from SoftBank for $880 million.
Hyundai said in April 2025 it will invest $21 billion in the U.S., including a $6 billion investment to drive innovation and expand strategic partnerships with U.S. companies. It said part of this investment will be buying “tens of thousands” of robots, some percentage of which will be from Boston Dynamics. Hyundai is already deploying Spot for industrial inspection and predictive maintenance at its facilities.
The automaker appears to be most interested, however, in Boston Dynamics’ new electric Atlas humanoid, which Saunders discussed at length during his keynote. Hyundai plans to start testing Atlas for part sequencing tasks later this year.
“Boston Dynamics and robotics AI will play a crucial role in achieving the group’s goal,” stated Jaehoon Chang, vice chair of Hyundai Motor Group. “Physical AI and humanoid robots will transform our business landscape to the next level. Through our collaboration, we will expedite the process to achieve leadership in the robotics industry.”
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