Arvato Implements Stretch Robots from Boston Dynamics

Arvato has successfully taken the next step in its automation strategy. As part of its collaboration with Boston Dynamics, a world leader in the development of highly mobile robots, the leading 3PL provider has deployed the first two Stretch robots at its logistics campus in Louisville, Kentucky.

(Gütersloh/Louisville) Arvato uses Stretch to automatically unload a variety of non-palletized boxes from containers. Automating variable processes is challenging. Finding a solution that can handle boxes gently posed a significant challenge. The implementation marks the next step in Arvato’s automation strategy and now provides another proven solution for the existing automation toolbox, which, in combination with intelligent data capture, robotic palletizing, and pallet transport by AGVs (automated guided vehicles) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots), completes the process chain for a fully automated goods receiving process.

The mobile robots are completely autonomous and do not require electricity or compressed air for operation. This mobility significantly reduces infrastructure costs and training time for Arvato employees. The system uses an image processing system to recognize the front of all boxes in a container. The robot then decides in real-time how to pick the boxes. The individual robotic arm is equipped with a gripper made up of several rows of suction cups, allowing it to grasp boxes from various angles and gently place them onto a conveyor belt that then transports them further into the warehouse.

The implementation ensures greater consistency, and the multipicking function has already enabled higher throughput, especially with smaller, lighter boxes. Stretch can also multipick heavier boxes, which manual unloading teams could not handle. The robotic arm can manage packages of various sizes weighing up to 23 kilograms and can operate continuously for up to 16 hours.

“Seasonal planning is crucial for Arvato’s operations,” says Rachael Miller, Senior Director of Operations at the Arvato site in Louisville. “There are often uncertainties in the supply chain. Since Stretch has a very consistent unloading rate, we can plan additional capacity where we need it. We can also plan outside of business hours when we do not have a scheduled shift, allowing Stretch to operate in a container controlled by just one employee.”

“Stretch creates efficiency in the warehouse by automating the task of unloading trailers and containers,” says Marc Theermann, Chief Strategy Officer at Boston Dynamics. “Planning and predictability are essential for efficient supply chain operations, and robots like Stretch can help Arvato maintain a consistent unloading rate while reducing the physical strain on employees. With Stretch, Arvato can continue its path of automation, reduce costs, and provide greater efficiency to its customers.”

“Overall, the perception of Stretch is very positive,” explains Rachael Miller. “From day one, we made it clear that Stretch will not replace our workforce but will relieve our colleagues in the warehouse from physically demanding tasks and also enable us to qualify them for more meaningful tasks.”

Additional Locations in the USA and Europe Planned

The partnership with Boston Dynamics initially includes the implementation of a total of ten Stretch robots at various Arvato locations. Following the successful launch of the two models in Louisville, the next step will be to equip additional locations in the USA and Europe.

Photo: © Arvato