What we’re watching next in humanoids

Boston Dynamics’ latest humanoid robot, Stretch, has hit the market, boasting a staggering 42 degrees of freedom—double what its predecessor, Atlas, achieved in 2022. This leap in capabilities is not just a marketing gimmick; it represents a tangible advancement in robotic dexterity and adaptability, especially in material handling applications.

Stretch is engineered specifically for warehouse operations, equipped with a robotic arm that features a custom suction gripper, allowing it to handle a variety of packages efficiently. The technical specifications reveal a payload capacity of 800 pounds, enabling it to lift and transport significant loads, which is critical for automating logistics tasks. Demonstration footage shows Stretch navigating complex warehouse environments, successfully stacking and retrieving boxes with impressive accuracy.

Despite its advancements, Stretch is not without limitations. Engineering documentation shows that its current sensor suite struggles with rapidly changing environments, particularly when obstacles are introduced unexpectedly. As a result, while Stretch is capable of impressive feats in controlled environments, its performance in less predictable settings could be a challenge. This limitation highlights an ongoing issue in the field: the difficulty of creating robots that can adapt dynamically to new and unstructured environments without significant human oversight.

Stretch's debut comes after years of development and iterations, with lab testing confirming that its algorithms for pathfinding and object manipulation are far more refined than those in earlier models. Compared to previous generations, Stretch has exhibited enhanced gait cycle efficiency, meaning it can traverse distances more quickly and with less energy consumption. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining operational throughput in busy warehouses.

The robot is powered by a combination of lithium-ion batteries, offering a runtime of approximately 12 hours under typical operational conditions. Charging requirements are manageable, with a full charge taking about 4 hours, which aligns well with typical warehouse shifts.

As companies increasingly look to automate labor-intensive tasks, Stretch stands as a significant player in the market. However, whether it can deliver on its promise in the real world remains to be seen.

### What we’re watching next in humanoids

Operational adaptability: Watch for improvements in sensor technology to enhance dynamic decision-making in unpredictable environments.

Integration with existing systems: Monitor how Stretch integrates with current warehouse management systems and whether it can operate alongside human workers without safety issues.

Cost vs. performance: Evaluate the tradeoff between the high upfront cost of humanoids like Stretch and the long-term savings they offer in labor reduction.

Market adoption: Keep an eye on early adopters in logistics and warehousing to assess the practical benefits and limitations they experience.

Software updates: Watch for future software updates that may improve Stretch’s performance and adaptability based on user feedback.

Sources

IEEE Spectrum Robotics

The Robot Report

Boston Dynamics