Press Release Archives | Boston Dynamics Changing your idea of what robots can do. Mon, 06 May 2024 15:08:37 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://bostondynamics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cropped-Boston-Dynamic_favicon-32x32.jpg Press Release Archives | Boston Dynamics 32 32 Boston Dynamics Opens First European Office https://bostondynamics.com/news/boston-dynamics-opens-first-european-office/ Thu, 28 Sep 2023 14:10:14 +0000 https://bostondynamics.com/?post_type=news&p=7551 We are thrilled to be opening our first European office. Co-located at the Hyundai WIA headquarters near Frankfurt, Germany, this office will serve Boston Dynamics’ European customers with local sales, services, and field application engineering support.

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We are thrilled to be opening our first European office. Co-located at the Hyundai WIA headquarters near Frankfurt, Germany, this office will serve Boston Dynamics’ European customers with local sales, services, and field application engineering support.

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Boston Dynamics Supports MA Bill on Responsible Use of Robots https://bostondynamics.com/news/boston-dynamics-supports-ma-bill-on-responsible-use-of-robots/ Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:55:19 +0000 https://bostondynamics.com/?post_type=news&p=7388 The bill, An Act to ensure the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies, prohibits the manufacture, sale, and operation of robots or drones that are mounted with a weapon. If signed into law, the bill will be the first-in-the-nation to implement common-sense regulations to protect the public and bring stability to an emerging market. This […]

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The bill, An Act to ensure the responsible use of advanced robotic technologies, prohibits the manufacture, sale, and operation of robots or drones that are mounted with a weapon. If signed into law, the bill will be the first-in-the-nation to implement common-sense regulations to protect the public and bring stability to an emerging market.

This bill was filed by State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa and State Sen. Michael Moore. Key civil rights groups and industry associations, including the ACLU of Massachusetts, MassRobotics, and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) have come together in support of the bill.

Advanced mobile robots are incredible tools that can enrich our lives and keep people safe, but makeshift efforts to weaponize general purpose robots threaten public trust and acceptance of this emerging technology. We recently led a consortium of six leading robotics companies calling on policymakers to ensure the ethical use of general purpose robots and prohibit their misuse. We are proud to have worked in collaboration with Representative Sabadosa, Senator Moore, civil rights advocates, and robotics industry leaders, to help develop the nation’s first comprehensive legislation on this topic, in our home state of Massachusetts.

Brendan Schulman, Vice President of Policy & Government Relations at Boston Dynamics

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Otto Group Teams Up with Boston Dynamics to Strengthen Logistics Operations https://bostondynamics.com/news/otto-group-teams-up-with-boston-dynamics-to-strengthen-logistics-operations/ Mon, 11 Sep 2023 13:10:00 +0000 https://bostondynamics.com/?post_type=news&p=7380 Strategic agreement calls for fleet of Boston Dynamics robots to be deployed across more than 20 facilities over the next two years, to position retailer for the future Hamburg, Germany / Waltham, MA, USA – September 11, 2023 – The Otto Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers, has signed a strategic agreement with […]

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Strategic agreement calls for fleet of Boston Dynamics robots to be deployed across more than 20 facilities over the next two years, to position retailer for the future

Hamburg, Germany / Waltham, MA, USA – September 11, 2023 – The Otto Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers, has signed a strategic agreement with Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, to continue automating its logistics operations. The plan is to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Spot® robots in more than 10 and Stretch™ robots in more than 20 of the group’s facilities over the next two years, beginning with Hermes Fulfilment. The deployment supports Otto Group’s efforts to improve safety, increase operational efficiency and address labor shortages for specific types of warehouse work and the agreement marks the first time both of Boston Dynamics’ commercially available robots will be deployed together at enterprise scale.

Under the terms of the agreement, Spot, the four-legged mobile robot from Boston Dynamics, will support tunnel inspections and predictive maintenance activities for operations equipment, including thermal monitoring, analog gauge reading and acoustic detection of pressurized air and gas leaks. The Spot fleet will also run autonomous missions, collecting data for machine learning models to support tasks like fire exit egress monitoring and detecting slight changes in storage racks to keep Otto Group’s warehouses even safer. In addition, the Otto Group will be utilizing Stretch, Boston Dynamics’ box-moving robot designed for warehouse applications. Stretch will begin unloading containers at 10 facilities next year, with the goal of having all sites operational by the end of 2025. Stretch, which is particularly useful for unloading heavy packages in the container sector, will provide technological support for physically demanding activities.

“The cooperation with Boston Dynamics is another important step for us to position ourselves for the future,” says Kay Schiebur, Member of the Executive Board, Services, Otto Group, and adds “We strive for the best service for our customers and an innovative work environment for our employees. Robotics and AI are and will become even more central components of our daily work.”

The Otto Group offers a comprehensive training program to equip staff with the skills to work with robotics and AI. More than 10,000 warehouse and facility workers have participated in the company’s TechUcation virtual training courses so far. This training is supplemented with concrete on-site training, enabling existing job profiles to develop digitally and shape the future together.

“We have learned to adapt quickly and flexibly to new market situations, which makes us strong for the future,” emphasizes Schiebur. The Otto Group and Boston Dynamics also plan to collaborate on research and development, including additional future use cases for both Spot and Stretch robots over the next several years.

“As one of Europe’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies, the Otto Group is an excellent fit for our technology,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “This agreement represents a strategic collaboration that will benefit both our companies for years to come, and we look forward to seeing the value our mobile robots can provide when combined with Otto Group’s deep expertise in logistics and fulfillment.”

About Otto Group
Founded in Germany in 1949, today the Otto Group is a globally active retail and services group with around 41,000 employees in 30 major company groups primarily active in the economic regions of Germany, the rest of Europe, and the USA. Its business activities span the Platforms, Brand Concepts, Retailers, Services and Financial Services segments. In the 2022/23 financial year (to 28 February) the Otto Group generated revenues of 16.2 billion euros. With online revenues of approximately 12 billion euros, the Otto Group is one of the world’s largest online retailers. The Group’s particular strength is the broad market presence of its differentiated product assortments and service offers to diverse customer target groups in the world’s relevant economic regions. Numerous strategic partnerships and joint ventures provide the Otto Group with excellent opportunities to transfer know-how and leverage areas of synergy potential. Group companies demonstrate a high degree of corporate responsibility and willingness to collaborate with one another; at the same time this guarantees flexibility, customer proximity and optimal target-group appeal in their respective national markets. To learn more, go to ottogroup.com.

About Boston Dynamics
Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest industrial challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from manufacturing facilities, power plants, and construction sites to warehouses and distribution centers. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped that conducts industrial inspections for enterprise asset management; Stretch™, a box-moving robot currently being deployed with logistics and retail customers; and Atlas®, our bipedal research and development platform. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

Press contacts

Otto Group, Annette Siragusano +49 40 6461 3982 annette.siragusano@ottogroup.com
Otto Group, Lena Hufmann +49 40 6461 5922 lena.hufmann@ottogroup.com

Boston Dynamics, +1 781 248 4745 media@bostondynamics.com

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General Purpose Robots Should Not Be Weaponized https://bostondynamics.com/news/general-purpose-robots-should-not-be-weaponized/ Tue, 02 May 2023 16:35:08 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3619 An Open Letter to the Robotics Industry and our Communities, We are some of the world’s leading companies dedicated to introducing new generations of advanced mobile robotics to society. These new generations of robots are more accessible, easier to operate, more autonomous, affordable, and adaptable than previous generations, and capable of navigating into locations previously […]

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An Open Letter to the Robotics Industry and our Communities,

We are some of the world’s leading companies dedicated to introducing new generations of advanced mobile robotics to society. These new generations of robots are more accessible, easier to operate, more autonomous, affordable, and adaptable than previous generations, and capable of navigating into locations previously inaccessible to automated or remotely-controlled technologies. We believe that advanced mobile robots will provide great benefit to society as co-workers in industry and companions in our homes.

As with any new technology offering new capabilities, the emergence of advanced mobile robots offers the possibility of misuse. Untrustworthy people could use them to invade civil rights or to threaten, harm, or intimidate others. One area of particular concern is weaponization. We believe that adding weapons to robots that are remotely or autonomously operated, widely available to the public, and capable of navigating to previously inaccessible locations where people live and work, raises new risks of harm and serious ethical issues. Weaponized applications of these newly-capable robots will also harm public trust in the technology in ways that damage the tremendous benefits they will bring to society. For these reasons, we do not support the weaponization of our advanced-mobility general-purpose robots. For those of us who have spoken on this issue in the past, and those engaging for the first time, we now feel renewed urgency in light of the increasing public concern in recent months caused by a small number of people who have visibly publicized their makeshift efforts to weaponize commercially available robots.

We pledge that we will not weaponize our advanced-mobility general-purpose robots or the software we develop that enables advanced robotics and we will not support others to do so. When possible, we will carefully review our customers’ intended applications to avoid potential weaponization. We also pledge to explore the development of technological features that could mitigate or reduce these risks. To be clear, we are not taking issue with existing technologies that nations and their government agencies use to defend themselves and uphold their laws.

We understand that our commitment alone is not enough to fully address these risks, and therefore we call on policymakers to work with us to promote safe use of these robots and to prohibit their misuse. We also call on every organization, developer, researcher, and user in the robotics community to make similar pledges not to build, authorize, support, or enable the attachment of weaponry to such robots. We are convinced that the benefits for humanity of these technologies strongly outweigh the risk of misuse, and we are excited about a bright future in which humans and robots work side by side to tackle some of the world’s challenges.

Signed,

For further information or to join our pledge, please contact us

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NFI To Deploy Boston Dynamics’ Stretch Robot in $10 Million Deal https://bostondynamics.com/news/nfi-to-deploy-boston-dynamics-stretch-robot-in-10-million-deal/ Tue, 02 May 2023 16:34:29 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3618 CAMDEN, N.J., August 30, 2022  –  NFI, a leading supply chain solutions provider, today announced it has signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, Stretch, across its U.S. warehousing operations. The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFI’s Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans […]

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CAMDEN, N.J., August 30, 2022  –  NFI, a leading supply chain solutions provider, today announced it has signed a $10 million agreement to deploy Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, Stretch, across its U.S. warehousing operations. The mobile robot will begin unloading trucks and containers as a pilot program at NFI’s Savannah, GA facility in 2023, with plans to outfit additional warehouse locations across North America over the next few years.

Supply chain demand remains near all-time highs. To support the flow of goods and increase operational capacity, NFI continues to invest in technology that supports a people-led, technology-enabled approach. The investment also falls in line with NFI’s Applied Innovation focus, which pilots new technologies to demonstrate a real-world application within operations before scaling across its North American network.

“At a time when companies need to evolve to meet consumer expectations, NFI has stepped in as the innovative logistics partner, contributing to our customers’ competitive edge,” said Sid Brown, CEO of NFI. “Our innovation portfolio emphasizes productivity and safety in NFI’s operations. With Stretch, we will enhance the movement of freight through our facilities while providing a safer environment for our employees.”

NFI is one of the oldest and largest privately-held 3PLs in North America, serving customers throughout various industries and operating over 65 million square feet of warehouse space. The company foresees Stretch becoming an invaluable asset in its network of import deconsolidation centers, cross-dock and transload facilities, as well as floor-loaded inbound and outbound distribution centers一all of which have seen an influx of demand since the start of the pandemic.

“We designed Stretch to automate box moving, an operationally and physically challenging task across warehouses,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Demand for goods continues to rise, and robots like Stretch can help NFI alleviate some of the challenges associated with that surging demand. Stretch makes truck unloading a safer and more efficient task, and NFI can pass that efficiency along to its customers.”

Stretch operates for more than a full shift on a single charge or up to 16 hours with a high-capacity battery option. With a powerful vacuum gripper and advanced vision system, the robot handles a variety of package types up to 50 pounds, requires no SKU number pre-programming or box size information, and can autonomously recover any packages that shift or fall during the unloading process.

The Stretch project is being overseen by NFI’s Integrated Design and Solutions (IDS) team of supply chain engineers, which will help scale the program to the greater NFI footprint after the pilot’s conclusion.

For more information, please visit: bosdyn.co/stretch.

About NFI

NFI is a fully-integrated North American supply chain solutions provider headquartered in Camden, New Jersey. Privately held by the Brown family since 1932, the company generates more than $3.8 billion in annual revenue and employs over 16,000 associates. NFI owns and operates more than 65 million square feet of warehouse space alongside a dedicated fleet of 5,100 tractors and 13,200 trailers. By 2023, NFI will operate the first 100% zero-emission drayage fleet, leading the transition to zero-emission goods movement in the United States. NFI’s relentless innovation and unparalleled service deliver logistics solutions that transform the way business gets done. The company’s business lines include dedicated transportation, warehousing and distribution, eCommerce fulfillment, brokerage, transportation management, port drayage, intermodal, global logistics, and industrial real estate. For more information about NFI, visit www.nfiindustries.com or call 1-877-NFI-3777.

About Boston Dynamics

Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity, and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from industrial plants and construction sites to distribution centers and warehouses. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped that conducts industrial inspections for enterprise asset management; StretchTM, a box-moving robot currently deployed with early adopter logistics customers; and Atlas™, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

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Boston Dynamics’ Stretch Robot Now Available for Commercial Purchase https://bostondynamics.com/news/boston-dynamics-stretch-robot-now-available-for-commercial-purchase/ Tue, 02 May 2023 16:32:17 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3616 Waltham, MA – March 28, 2022 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has announced Stretch™, its newest robot designed specifically for warehouses and distribution centers, is now available for commercial purchase. Part of a new generation of mobile robots, Stretch is one of the most advanced robots in the world today.  First introduced […]

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  • Product is sold out through 2022 due to strong pre-order demand from early adopter customers; company now accepting reservations for 2023 and 2024 deliveries
  • Production version of the robot to be unveiled this week at MODEX in Atlanta
  • Waltham, MA – March 28, 2022 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has announced Stretch™, its newest robot designed specifically for warehouses and distribution centers, is now available for commercial purchase. Part of a new generation of mobile robots, Stretch is one of the most advanced robots in the world today. 

    First introduced in the spring of 2021, Stretch has been in pilot testing with a select group of customers over the last several months. All units scheduled for 2022 delivery have already sold out thanks to strong demand from those early customers, which include DHL Supply Chain, Gap, H&M and Performance Team – A Maersk Company. Boston Dynamics is now accepting reservations for 2023 and 2024 deliveries.

    Stretch is a versatile, mobile robot that unloads floor-loaded trailers and containers for safer and more efficient warehouse operations. The robot works with a wide range of package types and sizes, from standard brown to highly graphical boxes, and can handle cases up to 50 pounds. With advanced mobility and a footprint the size of a pallet, Stretch is built to maneuver in and out of trucks and tight spaces in a warehouse. The robot is an easily scalable, autonomous solution that can be installed and ready to work within existing warehouse infrastructure in just a few days. 

    “Labor shortages and supply chain snags continue to create challenges in keeping the flow of goods moving,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Stretch makes logistics operations more efficient and predictable,  and it improves safety by taking on one of the most physically demanding jobs in the warehouse. Many of our early adopter customers have already committed to deploying the robot at scale, so we are excited Stretch will soon be put to work more broadly, helping retailers and logistics companies handle the continued surging demand for goods.” 

    DHL Supply Chain recently announced a $15 million pre-order to further automate warehousing in North America with Stretch. The multi-year agreement marked the first commercial purchase of the robot. Last week, Performance Team – A Maersk Company, also announced it has signed a multi-year agreement with Boston Dynamics to strengthen the company’s warehouse and distribution capabilities.

    Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in autonomous robots. The robot is equipped with a powerful, custom vacuum gripper and an advanced vision system that detects boxes and the container surroundings, enabling Stretch to autonomously recover any packages that shift or fall during unloading. Stretch does not require any pre-programming of SKU numbers or information on box sizes; the robot makes all unloading decisions in real time, without the need for explicit directions or supervision. The robot is capable of working more than a full shift on a single charge, or up to 16 hours with a high capacity battery option.

    Stretch will be on display and running live demos in the Boston Dynamics booth (#B6222) at this week’s MODEX show in Atlanta. For more information, please visit: https://www.bostondynamics.com/products/stretch.


    About Boston Dynamics
    Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from manufacturing plants and construction sites to distribution centers and warehouses. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped that conducts industrial inspections for enterprise asset management; Stretch™, a box-moving robot currently deployed with early adopter logistics customers; and Atlas™, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

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    DHL Supply Chain to Invest $15 Million to Further Automate Warehousing in North America Via Boston Dynamics Collaboration https://bostondynamics.com/news/dhl-supply-chain-to-invest-15-million-to-further-automate-warehousing-in-north-america-via-boston-dynamics-collaboration/ Tue, 02 May 2023 16:32:13 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3615 WESTERVILLE, OH (January 26, 2022) – DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics leader within Deutsche Post DHL Group, today announced a $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, to further automate warehousing in North America. The companies have signed a multi-year agreement that begins […]

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  • DHL is the first commercial customer for Boston Dynamics’ Stretch ® robot
  • Multi-year agreement furthers DHL’s commitment to accelerating digitalization of the end-to-end supply chain
  • WESTERVILLE, OH (January 26, 2022) – DHL Supply Chain, the global and North American contract logistics leader within Deutsche Post DHL Group, today announced a $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, 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 centers.

    This agreement is the culmination of strategic collaboration between the two companies over the past few years as Stretch was being developed and tested. 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. Stretch will tackle several box-moving tasks in the warehouse, beginning with truck unloading at select DHL facilities. Following the first deployment, the multi-purpose mobile robot will handle additional tasks to support other parts of the warehouse workflow, which will effectively automate warehouse operations.

    “At DHL Supply Chain, we are committed to continuous innovation and digital transformation to optimize the end-to-end supply chain. Investing in warehouse automation plays an important role in increasing operational efficiency and improving service for our customers,” said Sally Miller, CIO, DHL Supply Chain North America. “We’re excited to partner with Boston Dynamics to deploy its best-in-class robotics in our warehouses. The Stretch robot addresses complex industry challenges through flexible automation, which we’ll be able to replicate and scale regionally and globally.”

    Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase the flow of goods and improve associate safety by taking over physically demanding tasks. Stretch is equipped with a compact, omni-directional mobile base, custom-designed lightweight arm as well as a smart gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of box types and sizes. It also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology, which enables it to identify boxes easily and without any pre-programming. Stretch is capable of working autonomously through complex situations like disordered stacking configurations and recovering fallen boxes.

    “Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ newest robot, designed specifically to remedy challenges within the warehouse space,” said Robert Playter, Boston Dynamics’ CEO. “We are thrilled to be working with DHL Supply Chain to deliver a fleet of robots that will further automate warehousing and improve safety for its associates. We believe Stretch can make a measurable impact on DHL’s business operations, and we’re excited to see the robot in action at scale.”

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

    To learn more, listen to the upcoming episode of DHL’s All Business. No Boundaries.TM podcast, which features Boston Dynamics and will be released on January 31. Podcast episodes are available here.

    For more information on Stretch, visit: bosdyn.co/stretch.

    Media Contacts

    John Friess
    External Communications Manager
    DHL Supply Chain, North America
    Phone: +1 740 953 9406
    E-mail: john.friess@dhl.com
    On the Internet: dpdhl.com/press
    Follow us at: twitter.com/DeutschePostDHL

    Nikolas Noel
    Communications Director
    Boston Dynamics
    Email: nnoel@bostondynamics.com
    www.bostondynamics.com

    DHL – The logistics company for the world

    DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With about 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

    DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of more than 66 billion euros in 2020. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. Deutsche Post DHL Group aims to achieve zero-emissions logistics by 2050.

    Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from industrial plants and construction sites to distribution centers and warehouses. We have three robots in our portfolio: Spot®, a quadruped which is broadly available for commercial and industrial use; Stretch®, which is currently deployed with early adopter logistics customers; and Atlas™, our bipedal research and development platform. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

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    Hyundai Motor Group Completes Acquisition of Boston Dynamics from Softbank https://bostondynamics.com/news/hyundai-motor-group-completes-acquisition-of-boston-dynamics-from-softbank/ Tue, 02 May 2023 15:55:32 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3613 BOSTON/SEOUL/TOKYO, June 21, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), Boston Dynamics, Inc. and SoftBank Group Corp. (SoftBank), today announced the completion of the Group’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, following the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The deal valued the mobile robot firm at US$1.1 billion. Additional financial […]

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  • Hyundai Motor Group acquires a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, following regulatory approvals and other conditions
  • The Group expects synergy between the companies to accelerate the development of cutting-edge robotics featuring advanced mobility, manipulation and vision capabilities 
  • With Boston Dynamics, the Group will create a robotics value chain, from robot component manufacturing to smart logistics solutions
  • BOSTON/SEOUL/TOKYO, June 21, 2021 – Hyundai Motor Group (the Group), Boston Dynamics, Inc. and SoftBank Group Corp. (SoftBank), today announced the completion of the Group’s acquisition of a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics from SoftBank, following the receipt of regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The deal valued the mobile robot firm at US$1.1 billion. Additional financial details were not disclosed. 

    Post-closing, the Group holds an 80 percent stake in Boston Dynamics and SoftBank, through one of its affiliates, retains the remaining 20 percent stake. 

    Boston Dynamics is the established leader in developing agile, mobile robots that have been successfully integrated into business operations of many of the world’s leading industrial firms. Advanced robotics offer opportunities for rapid growth with the potential to positively impact society by making work safer and more productive. 

    By acquiring Boston Dynamics and securing a leading presence in the field of robotics, the Group takes another major step toward its strategic transformation into a Smart Mobility Solution Provider. To propel this transformation, the Group has invested substantially in the development of future technologies, including autonomous driving, artificial intelligence (AI), Urban Air Mobility (UAM), smart factories and robots.

    In the field of robotics, the Group aims to develop advanced technologies that enhance people’s lives and promote safety, thereby realizing progress for humanity.

    The deal is also expected to allow the Group and Boston Dynamics to leverage each other’s respective strengths in manufacturing, logistics, construction and automation. Together, the Group and Boston Dynamics will create a robotics value chain, from robot component manufacturing to smart logistics solutions. Additionally, the Group will support Boston Dynamics’ continued expansion of its product line and global sales and service footprint.  

    Boston Dynamics launched sales of its first commercial robot, Spot® in June of 2020 and now has hundreds of robots operating in a variety of industries, including power utilities, construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and mining. The company also recently unveiled Stretch™, its first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centers.     

    The Group today also released a new video to reveal how it would further advance mobility for humanity incorporating Boston Dynamics’ expertise. The video is available on Hyundai’s youtube channel

    About Hyundai Motor Group

    Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service. With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all. More information about Hyundai Motor Group, please see: www.hyundaimotorgroup.com

    About Boston Dynamics

    Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our robots are equipped with advanced mobility, dexterity and intelligence, enabling automation in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces, from industrial plants and construction sites, to distribution centers and warehouses. We have three robots in our portfolio – Spot®, Stretch™ and Atlas® – as well as Pick™, a computer vision-based robotics solution for logistics. For more information on our company and our technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com

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    Boston Dynamics Unveils New Robot for Warehouse Automation https://bostondynamics.com/news/boston-dynamics-unveils-new-robot-for-warehouse-automation/ Tue, 02 May 2023 15:54:59 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3612 Stretch is designed to make warehouse operations safer and more efficient Waltham, MA – March 29, 2021 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse […]

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    Stretch is designed to make warehouse operations safer and more efficient

    Waltham, MA – March 29, 2021 – Boston Dynamics, the global leader in mobile robotics, has revealed Stretch, its new box-moving robot designed to support the growing demand for flexible automation solutions in the logistics industry. This debut marks the company’s official entrance into warehouse automation, a fast-growing market fueled by increased demand in e-commerce.

    Stretch is Boston Dynamics’ first commercial robot specifically designed for warehouse facilities and distribution centers, of which there are more than 150,000 globally, according to analysts. The multi-purpose mobile robot is designed to tackle a number of tasks where rapid box moving is required, first starting with truck unloading and later expanding into order building. Stretch’s technology builds upon Boston Dynamics’ decades of advancements in robotics to create a flexible, easily-integrated solution that can work in any warehouse to increase their flow of goods, improve employee safety in physically difficult tasks and lower expensive fixed automation costs.

    The robot’s small, omni-directional mobile base allows Stretch to navigate loading docks, maneuver in tight spaces and adapt to changing facility layouts, eliminating the need for costly fixed automation infrastructure. It is equipped with a custom-designed lightweight arm and a smart-gripper with advanced sensing and controls that can handle a large variety of boxed and shrink-wrapped cases. Stretch also includes Boston Dynamics’ computer vision technology that enables it to identify boxes easily and without extensive training for each customer. Its vision system works in tandem with pick & place activity, enabling high pick rates.

    Traditional warehouse automation approaches require either installation of fixed infrastructure or mobile robots that convey goods but struggle to meet productivity requirements to be an attractive investment for warehouse operators. Stretch offers logistics providers an easier path to automation by working within existing warehouse spaces and operations, without requiring costly reconfiguration or investments in new fixed infrastructure.

    “Warehouses are struggling to meet rapidly increasing demand as the world relies more on just-in-time delivery of goods,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Mobile robots enable the flexible movement of materials and improve working conditions for employees. Stretch combines Boston Dynamics’ advancements in mobility, perception and manipulation to tackle the most challenging, injury-prone case-handling tasks, and we’re excited to see it put to work.”

    Boston Dynamics is currently seeking customers to pilot test deployment of Stretch with truck unloading tasks ahead of its commercial deployment in 2022. Interested parties can apply to join the Stretch Early Adopter Program by visiting: www.bostondynamics.com/stretch.

    About Boston Dynamics

    Boston Dynamics is the global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots capable of tackling the toughest robotics challenges. Our core mission is to lead the creation and delivery of robots with advanced mobility, dexterity, and intelligence that add value in unstructured or hard-to-traverse spaces and positively impact society. We create high-performance robots equipped with perception, navigation and intelligence by combining the principles of dynamic control with sophisticated mechanical designs, cutting-edge electronics, and next-generation software. We have three mobile robots in our portfolio – Spot®, Stretch™ and Atlas® – as well as Pick™, a machine learning vision solution for warehouse automation. Founded in 1992, Boston Dynamics spun out of the MIT Leg Lab and is one of Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces of 2020. For more information on our company and its technologies, please visit www.bostondynamics.com.

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    Boston Dynamics Expands Strategy and Operations Team with Two Hires https://bostondynamics.com/news/boston-dynamics-expands-strategy-and-operations-team-with-two-hires/ Tue, 02 May 2023 15:54:48 +0000 https://live-boston-dynamic.pantheonsite.io/?post_type=news&p=3611 Waltham, MA – March 22, 2021 – Boston Dynamics today is announcing two new hires: Marc Theermann joins the company as Chief Strategy Officer and John Distelzweig joins as Vice President of Operations. In his role as Chief Strategy Officer, Theermann will oversee the development, implementation, and sustainment of Boston Dynamics’ commercialization strategy. Theerman is the […]

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    Waltham, MA – March 22, 2021 – Boston Dynamics today is announcing two new hires: Marc Theermann joins the company as Chief Strategy Officer and John Distelzweig joins as Vice President of Operations.

    In his role as Chief Strategy Officer, Theermann will oversee the development, implementation, and sustainment of Boston Dynamics’ commercialization strategy. Theerman is the newest member of Boston Dynamics’ executive team, and is responsible for product, marketing, and business development functions. He joins Boston Dynamics from Google, where he was responsible for strategy and key account management for the gaming and startup verticals. Theerman has more than two decades of experience working with high-growth companies, including PlaceIQ, AdMeld, which sold to Google, and Millennial Media, which sold to AOL/Verizon.

    Distelzweig joins Boston Dynamics as Vice President of Operations, overseeing the manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, production control and quality assurance functions for all of Boston Dynamics’ products. He will lead Boston Dynamics’ operational strategic planning efforts, including prototype and pilot production, facility planning, and supply chain design analysis. Distelzweig spent nearly 17 years at FLIR Systems where he served as Vice President, Operations and Technology, and was responsible for driving transformational change for the commercial business unit.

    “Boston Dynamics is rapidly expanding thanks to the successful debut of our first commercial robot, Spot, which is now being used across the globe to tackle hazardous tasks in dangerous environments like power plants, decommissioned nuclear sites and construction projects.” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “Both Marc Theermann and John Distelzweig bring valuable commercialization experience to the Boston Dynamics’ team, which is critical to our continued growth and will be instrumental as operational adoption of our robots expands.” 

    In the last year, the company has grown to more than 300 people and is continuing to expand its team to meet the growing demand for its products. Visit our Careers page to learn about our current job listings and life at Boston Dynamics.

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