Say hello to Boston Dynamics' newest robot, Stretch.

Boston Dynamics may be best known for producing the dog-like robot Spot, but Stretch seems to have a more practical purpose: It can lift heavy warehouse boxes weighing 23Kg, and with demand for quick deliveries skyrocketing, human workers help prepare more packages.

Stretch sits on a square base with hidden wheels that allow it to move in any direction and tackle the ramps and steps that are commonplace in warehouses. It is not unreasonable to expect this machine to wrestle with Sir Killalot and Cassius Crome in the British Robot Wars.

The "perception mast," equipped with cameras and sensors, helps detect warehouse boxes before the knuckle-boom crane arm extends to grab heavy packages and shrink-wrapped cases.

Boston Dynamics' design is intended to be as ergonomic as possible.

This mobility-oriented design makes Stretch a flexible robot for many work spaces where other cumbersome automation equipment would need to be bolted on and work around the robot. However, Stretch blends into the existing warehouse environment and can handle heavy lifting without disrupting other processes. It could almost be considered a helper robot for human workers.

Among other things, Stretch could help alleviate the pandemic increase in boxes that are relentlessly passing through warehouses due to the increase in courier deliveries. In addition, according to Robert Player, CEO of Boston Dynamics, it could also reduce workplace injuries from heavy lifting by "tackling the most difficult, injury-prone case-handling tasks."

Pricing for the machine has not yet been finalized. However, one must assume that there is definitely a place for such a robot that can flexibly adapt to existing workflows and significantly reduce back pain in the process.

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