We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • SUBMISSIONS
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
  • STRATEGY
  • GLOBAL
  • LOGISTICS
  • MANUFACTURING
  • PROCUREMENT
  • VIDEO
    • News & Exclusives
    • Viewer Contributed
    • CSCMP EDGE 2022 Startup Alley
    • Upload your video
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • White Papers
    • Webcasts
    • Events
    • Blogs
      • Reflections
      • SCQ Forum
    • Mobile Apps
Home » NFI automates truck unloading with Boston Dynamics Stretch robot in $10 million deal

NFI automates truck unloading with Boston Dynamics Stretch robot in $10 million deal

3PL plans to roll out additional Stretch bots across North American DCs in coming years.

NFI-Boston-Dynamics-Stretch-Robot.jpeg
August 31, 2022
Ben Ames
No Comments

Third party logistics provider (3PL) NFI Industries will deploy a truck-unloading robot made by Boston Dynamics next year in a $10 million pilot program at its Savannah, Georgia, warehouse, the companies said today.

The move is the first step in NFI’s plan to automate its operations by rolling out a fleet of the “Stretch” model robots across North America over the next few years. Camden, New Jersey-based NFI said the increased automation is needed to support the flow of goods and increase operational capacity as supply chain demand remains near all-time highs. 

More specifically, NFI foresees Stretch becoming an “invaluable asset” in its network of import deconsolidation centers, cross-dock, and transload facilities, as well as floor-loaded inbound and outbound distribution centers.

Waltham, Massachusetts-based Boston Dynamics is best known for its two-legged “Atlas” and its four-legged “Spot” robots, but has recently developed the rolling Stretch model to target the logistics sector.

With its robotic arm and vision-guided vacuum gripper mounted on a mobile platform, Stretch is an automated case handling system that can move a variety of package types up to 50 pounds in weight. Each Stretch unit operates for more than a full shift on a single charge or up to 16 hours with a high-capacity battery option, and can autonomously recover any packages that shift or fall during the unloading process, the firm says.
 https://www.bostondynamics.com/products/stretch

NFI’s deal marks the second large logistics provider to buy a Stretch bot, after DHL made a $15 million purchase in January.

“We designed Stretch to automate box moving, an operationally and physically challenging task across warehouses,” Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, said in a release. “Demand for goods continues to rise, and robots like Stretch can help NFI alleviate some of the challenges associated with that surging demand. Stretch makes truck unloading a safer and more efficient task, and NFI can pass that efficiency along to its customers.”

 

Future forward solutions to enhance our customers' operations. Read about our $10 million agreement to deploy @BostonDynamics' Stretch robot across our North American network: https://t.co/SSclE9dg40 pic.twitter.com/6uFmUfm6mH

— NFIindustries (@NFIindustries) August 31, 2022

"With Stretch, we will enhance the movement of freight through our facilities while providing a safer environment for our employees.” - Sid Brown, CEO, @NFIindustries. Learn why NFI chose Stretch in a $10 million agreement. https://t.co/dpS1Lq0TzE

— Boston Dynamics (@BostonDynamics) August 31, 2022


Technology
KEYWORDS Boston Dynamics NFI
  • Related Articles

    DHL to automate truck unloading with Boston Dynamics rolling “Stretch” robot

    DHL Supply Chain Signs Multi-Year Deal with Boston Dynamics

    Massachusetts startup lands $26 million backing for trailer-unloading robot

Ben Ames is Editor at Large and a Senior Editor at Supply Chain Quarterly?s sister publication, DC Velocity.

Recent Articles by Ben Ames

Jungheinrich buys Indiana warehouse automation vendor for $375 million

Ocean container rates cool slightly from historic highs

USPS goes electric with revised fleet order

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Forecasts call for freight rate slumps in 2023

  • Projected U.S. recession in early 2023 will soften freight market

  • Inflation drops again as interest rate hikes hit home, NRF says

  • How to avoid the next crisis: A new approach to supply chain agility

  • Five levers to build a resilient supply chain

Featured Video

20221107korber large vs

Enhancing Customer Experience with Your Supply Chain Strategy

Viewer Contributed
With the rise of e-commerce, many businesses have had to transform their warehouses to handle online orders in addition to regularly scheduled inventory shipments. This means warehouses need more information than ever before to ensure they can meet customers' needs. As a result, companies need to select warehouse...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • Guide to Pallet Rack Safety

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

  • A shipper's guide to navigating post-pandemic holiday freight

  • THE NEW WAY TO WAREHOUSE: 4 Innovations in Automation & Robotics to Boost Warehouse Productivity

View More

Subscribe to Supply Chain Quarterly

Get Your Subscription
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • E-NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing