DHL “committed to maximising the impact of robotics across all operations”
DHL Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boston Dynamics, a global specialist in advanced robotics.
Based on the success of Boston Dynamics’ proven stretch robot, which was developed for handling cartons and was initially used by DHL for automated unloading of container gantry cranes, the Memorandum of Understanding now clears the way for the global deployment of more than 1,000 additional robots. In the future, DHL plans to expand the purpose of the robots and also use Stretch for picking cartons.
The new agreement represents a significant milestone in an already very successful collaboration that began in 2018 and has since achieved numerous improvements in the automation of logistics processes. DHL Supply Chain, the group’s contract logistics division, has paved the way by commercially launching Stretch in North America in 2023 and recently expanding its use to the United Kingdom and Europe.
Stretch can unload up to 700 boxes per hour and also significantly improves employee satisfaction by reducing physically demanding work in truck trailers, which are very hot in summer and extremely cold in winter. In particular, the partnership has driven joint product development for integrated automation solutions (end-to-end), which – as successfully demonstrated in the project in the UK – even includes conveyor belts and palletizers. To further build on these successes, DHL Group is exploring how the technology can be further developed and used in other business areas. One core task, for example, is picking cartons – the most labor-intensive activity within DHL Supply Chain. This increases the benefits of stretch beyond pure container unloading.
“With our agenda to accelerate digitalization, we are committed to maximizing the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations and business units,” said Sally Miller, Global CIO of DHL Supply Chain. “In the cooperation that has now been defined, a fundamental rethinking is taking place that reorganizes the way we work and at the same time improves the service we provide to our customers. Through the expanded partnership with Boston Dynamics, DHL will take a more active role in the design and control of robot development. The goal is to create more resilient, responsive, and intelligent solutions that address the unique challenges of our everyday work. Together, we are setting new standards for the logistics industry.”
Through cross-divisional cooperation, DHL ensures that progress made in the DHL Supply Chain division, for example, can also be adapted for use in other business areas in the future in order to implement improvements in processes on a large scale.
Over the past three years, DHL Group has invested more than EUR 1 billion in the automation of its contract logistics division. Globally, the Group now uses over 7,500 robots, more than 200,000 smart handheld devices and nearly 800,000 IoT sensors to optimize operations, improve working conditions for employees and create measurable value for customers. Today, more than 90% of all DHL warehouses worldwide are equipped with at least one automation or digitization solution.
DHL is also strengthening its automation strategy by focusing on co-developing solutions in close collaboration with established robotics partners, rather than relying solely on existing off-the-shelf technology.
This is also reflected in the partnership model between DHL and Boston Dynamics. DHL Group offers real-world operations as a testing ground for the latest technologies, providing valuable feedback and industry-specific insights. By going beyond a traditional customer and supplier relationship, companies can jointly develop, test, and scale solutions on the fly. This allows DHL to focus on its core competencies in logistics, while the world’s leading robotics innovators create customized technologies for the needs of the company and the logistics industry. Through this open, operationally integrated approach, DHL and Boston Dynamics are able to jointly advance solutions such as Stretch and realize further synergies across divisions.
Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said: “We are proud to further strengthen our collaboration with DHL Group. Our teams have jointly embarked on the path of innovation to develop practical and effective robotics solutions for warehouses. The new collaboration is the next step in an excellent collaboration. As the first multi-use case robot, Stretch is also ideal for picking cartons, thus meeting DHL’s different needs particularly well. Together, we want to show how practical innovations can be used in the modern supply chain.”
As part of its Strategy 2030, DHL Group plans to further formalize partnerships with technology leaders in order not only to drive widespread deployment, but also to promote joint developments, co-investments and deeper cooperation models. This integrated approach – from robotics partnerships to mutually dependent incentive models – will play a central role in establishing robotics and automation as key factors for sustainable, long-term growth within DHL Group.
