DHL to deploy 1,000 Boston Dynamics Robots in Warehouses

DHL Group has signed an agreement with robotics firm Boston Dynamics to roll out over 1,000 additional Stretch robots across its global logistics network. 

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), announced on 13 May, formalises the next phase in a collaboration between the two companies that started in 2018 and is focused on automating warehouse operations.

Stretch is a warehouse robot designed for material handling tasks and particularly suited to unloading trucks and containers.

It is fully autonomous and able to navigate warehouse environments independently, offering improved warehouse predictability, continuous operations and constant flow of goods. Its small footprint makes it easy to deploy within existing operating environments with mini

DHL Supply Chain, the contract logistics arm of DHL Group, began deploying Stretch in North America in 2023 and has more recently been extending its use into the United Kingdom and across Europe.

Maximising unloading and case picking

To date, the robots have achieved unloading speeds of up to 700 cases per hour. 

DHL says that Stretch also improves working conditions by reducing the physical strain of unloading trailers in extreme temperatures. 

In the UK, it has been integrated with other automation components, including conveyors and palletisers, as part of a broader end-to-end warehouse automation solution for DHL.

To build on this initial success, DHL plans to look beyond container unloading and into using Stretch for case picking — the process of selecting items from warehouse shelves to fulfil orders. The company identifies this as the most labour-intensive task in its operations.

Sally Miller, Global Chief Information Officer at DHL Supply Chain, says: “Through our Accelerated Digitalisation agenda, we are committed to maximising the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations and business units. 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."

Scaling up with cross-unit deployment

This growing use of robots and automation fits within DHL Group’s broader strategy to apply innovations developed in one part of the company to others – the objective is to maximise the return on technology investments by rolling out effective solutions at scale.

Over the past three years, DHL has invested over €1bn (approx. US$1.12bn) in automation within its contract logistics division.

Across its global operations, the company now uses more than 7,500 robots, 200,000 smart handheld devices and around 800,000 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors. These tools help optimise processes, improve working conditions and offer measurable gains for customers. 

According to DHL, more than 90% of its warehouses worldwide now use at least one automation or digitalisation solution.

Rather than buying ready-made tools, DHL increasingly co-develops solutions with technology providers like Boston Dynamics. This hands-on development model means the company can provide real-world testing environments while guiding the development of new tools to suit its specific logistics challenges.

A collaborative approach to robotics

Boston Dynamics and DHL have built a relationship that goes beyond a traditional buyer-supplier setup. The two companies are jointly building, trialling and deploying robotic solutions in DHL’s day-to-day operations. 

This approach helps DHL remain focused on its logistics core while enabling Boston Dynamics to create technologies suited to real-world logistics scenarios.

Robert Playter, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Dynamics, says the partnership is now entering a new phase: “We are proud to continue strengthening our collaboration with DHL Group. 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.”

DHL’s broader Strategy 2030 outlines plans to deepen ties with technology partners through joint development, shared investment and formalised collaboration. 

This includes not only robotics but also mutually beneficial incentive structures. By building stronger links with technology creators, DHL aims to position automation as a long-term component of its global logistics model.

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