What we’re watching next in humanoids

Three words changed everything: "It actually works." Boston Dynamics' latest humanoid robot, Stretch, is not just a prototype; it’s a field-ready solution that has demonstrated its ability to autonomously handle logistics tasks, such as unloading trucks and moving boxes with impressive efficiency.

Stretch boasts 25 degrees of freedom (DOF) in its robotic arm, enhanced by a custom robotic vacuum gripper that allows it to pick up packages ranging from small parcels to heavy boxes weighing up to 50 pounds. The robot's design focuses on maximizing its efficiency in warehouse environments, aiming to reduce the physical strain on human workers while increasing throughput.

Lab testing confirms that Stretch can navigate complex environments, moving with a speed of over 1 meter per second while maintaining stability—a feat that reflects significant improvements over previous iterations like Atlas, which struggled with dynamic environments. Stretch also incorporates advanced computer vision systems to identify and handle packages, showcasing the integration of AI with physical robotics.

However, the journey to this point hasn’t been without hurdles. "We broke 200 actuators getting here," the lead engineer admitted, highlighting the ongoing challenges in actuator reliability and precision that have plagued the industry. Even as Boston Dynamics celebrates this milestone, limitations in Stretch's handling of irregular box shapes and reliance on specific lighting conditions for optimal vision remain clear.

The power source, a high-density lithium-ion battery, allows Stretch a runtime of approximately 8 hours under standard operating conditions, with a charging requirement of about 2 hours. While this runtime meets the demands of most warehouse shifts, it’s worth noting that continuous operation may still require additional battery management strategies to avoid downtime during peak hours.

In comparing Stretch to the earlier versions of Boston Dynamics' robots, it’s evident that they have made strides not just in physical capabilities but also in the integration of AI for real-world applications. Previous generations often remained confined to controlled environments, whereas Stretch is designed for real-world logistics operations, raising the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from earlier lab demos to a product that is ready for deployment in actual warehouses.

### What we’re watching next in humanoids

Actuator Reliability: Monitor ongoing performance and failure rates of actuators in field conditions.

Vision System Performance: Assess how well Stretch adapts to varying environmental conditions, particularly lighting and box irregularities.

Market Adoption: Watch for deployment announcements from logistics companies to gauge real-world efficacy.

Battery Management Innovations: Innovations in battery technology could enhance runtime and operational efficiency, particularly in high-demand scenarios.

Cost vs. Efficiency: Evaluate the cost-benefit ratio of deploying Stretch compared to human labor and other automation solutions.

Sources

IEEE Spectrum Robotics

The Robot Report

Boston Dynamics