Hyundai-backed Boston Dynamics has unveiled Stretch Gen 2, a next-generation autonomous robot designed to unload trailers faster and reduce maintenance downtime in high-volume logistics operations.

Built on data from more than 100,000 operating hours and tens of millions of boxes unloaded by its predecessor, the upgraded robot features a redesigned gripper, improved sensing, 81 percent less internal cabling, and modular components that allow faster repairs.

The changes are aimed at preventing mechanical wear and electrical faults that could take the robot offline. Boston Dynamics has also redesigned its exterior panels to withstand falling boxes and repositioned the emergency stop button to reduce accidental safety stoppages.

“Our customers count on Stretch to keep freight moving, and every hour a robot sits idle is an hour of work that piles up on the dock,” said Brian Donnelly, Vice President & General Manager of Logistics Robotics at Boston Dynamics. “With Gen 2, we focused on the things that actually took robots offline in the real world. We made it tougher, we made it simpler to service, and we made sure it keeps getting better long after it’s deployed.”

The redesigned robot also aims to make maintenance less time-consuming when components need replacement. Boston Dynamics said a complete swerve drive swap now takes about one hour, compared with an entire day previously.

The company has removed dynamic cables and complex wiring harnesses, replacing them with a simpler architecture and standardized high-strength fasteners. These changes are intended to reduce the number of tools required during repairs and shorten the time technicians spend working on the machine.

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