Boston Dynamics Unveils Stretch Gen 2 Robot
The upgraded freight-handling robot removes most internal cabling and targets faster case unloading for logistics operators.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Robotics
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Boston Dynamics has released Stretch Gen 2, an upgraded robot for freight logistics that removes 81 per cent of the internal cabling used in the earlier machine. DHL Group has signed a memorandum of understanding with Boston Dynamics covering more than 1,000 additional Stretch robots.
Why it matters
The redesign targets intermittent disconnections traced to electrical faults and cable wear, issues that can slow warehouse operations. Boston Dynamics built the changes around field data covering tens of millions of handled boxes.
Gen 2 removes 81 per cent of internal cabling, roughly half a mile of wiring, and a complete swerve drive can now be replaced in about one hour instead of a full day. A fast charger restores 90 per cent charge in about 75 minutes, though Boston Dynamics has not published a quantified uptime gain over the earlier model.
The players
Boston Dynamics
A robotics company known for its legged and logistics robots, which developed the Stretch warehouse robot and this second-generation redesign.
DHL Group
A global logistics company that first introduced Stretch in North America and has committed to deploying more than 1,000 additional units.
Hyundai Motor Group
A South Korean automotive conglomerate that reported Stretch unloaded more than 20 million boxes worldwide since 2023.
The details
The upgrade adds revised valve systems and more precise sensing for case placement, and Boston Dynamics plans software updates covering case detection, motion planning and pick strategies without physical hardware changes. Hyundai Motor Group reported that Stretch has unloaded more than 20 million boxes worldwide since 2023.
Timeline
Stretch was commercially launched in 2023, with DHL first introducing it in North America.
On May 13, 2025, DHL signed a memorandum of understanding with Boston Dynamics for more than 1,000 Stretch robots.
Hyundai Motor Group reported at CES 2026 that Stretch had passed 20 million boxes unloaded.
Boston Dynamics announced the Stretch Gen 2 redesign on November 3, 2026.
Roadmap
Stretch Gen 2 builds directly on the first-generation Stretch, which DHL introduced in North America in 2023 and which was rated at 600 to 800 cases per hour in a February 2026 brochure. The redesign moves the platform toward case picking, which DHL plans to pursue beyond container unloading.
For logistics operators, the shorter swerve drive replacement and faster charging could reduce time robots spend out of service during shifts. Parcel handlers and freight customers may see faster unloading as deployments expand, though pricing and availability for Gen 2 have not been disclosed.
The takeaway
Operators weighing warehouse automation should focus on serviceability and measured throughput, since Boston Dynamics has not yet published uptime figures for Gen 2.
Further reading
For more on how machines are reshaping warehouse work, explore our Robotics coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by PMV Middle East.
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