DHL and Boston Dynamics Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Scale Robotics Deployment in Global Logistics

DHL and Boston Dynamics Strengthen Strategic Partnership to Scale Robotics Deployment in Global Logistics

(IN BRIEF) DHL Group has signed an MOU with Boston Dynamics to expand their successful collaboration, aiming to deploy over 1,000 additional units of the Stretch robot across DHL’s operations. This includes new applications such as case picking, beyond the initial container unloading use. The partnership, which began in 2018, has already proven successful with impressive performance metrics, such as unloading 700 cases per hour, and has improved employee satisfaction by reducing physical strain. With over €1 billion invested in automation over the last three years, DHL is taking an innovative approach to logistics, moving beyond traditional vendor relationships by co-developing cutting-edge solutions with Boston Dynamics. This strategic move aims to set new industry standards and improve efficiency, with the ultimate goal of driving long-term sustainable growth across the logistics sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 14-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — DHL Group, the world’s leading logistics provider, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Boston Dynamics, a global leader in advanced robotics. This new agreement will expand the deployment of Boston Dynamics’ Stretch robot to over 1,000 units globally, helping DHL scale its robotics capabilities across multiple divisions. The Stretch robot, initially deployed by DHL for container unloading, will now be used for a broader range of applications, including case picking, further enhancing the efficiency and productivity of DHL’s logistics operations.

Since the beginning of their collaboration in 2018, DHL and Boston Dynamics have jointly developed innovative solutions that have significantly improved logistics automation. The partnership has already seen the successful introduction of Stretch into DHL Supply Chain’s North American operations in 2023, with further deployments across the United Kingdom and Europe. The robots have achieved remarkable performance, with case unloading rates reaching up to 700 cases per hour, while also enhancing employee satisfaction by reducing the physical demands on workers in hot or cold trailers.

“We are committed to driving digitalization and maximizing the impact of robotics and automation across all our operations,” said Sally Miller, Global CIO of DHL Supply Chain. “This expanded partnership with Boston Dynamics enables us to play a more active role in shaping the future of robotics development and enhancing our operations with smarter, more resilient solutions. Together, we are setting new industry standards for the logistics sector.”

The collaboration is part of DHL’s broader strategy to innovate across its operations. The partnership model moves beyond traditional vendor relationships, focusing on co-developing, testing, and scaling real-world solutions with robotics leaders. This approach ensures that DHL can focus on its logistics expertise, while Boston Dynamics develops tailored, cutting-edge technologies for the logistics industry’s specific needs.

Over the past three years, DHL Group has invested over €1 billion in automation within its contract logistics division. The company now operates more than 7,500 robots, over 200,000 smart handheld devices, and nearly 800,000 IoT sensors across its global network. More than 90% of DHL’s warehouses worldwide are equipped with automation or digitalization solutions, underlining the company’s commitment to industry-leading automation strategies.

Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics, commented, “We are proud to continue strengthening our collaboration with DHL Group. Together, we’ve built a practical, effective warehouse robotics solution, and this next step will help us meet DHL’s evolving needs for multi-use robots. Stretch is ideally suited to be the first multi-use case box-picking robot, and we are excited to see the continued progress of our partnership.”

As part of Strategy 2030, DHL Group aims to further formalize its partnerships with technology leaders, focusing not only on scaling deployments but also on co-developing, co-investing, and fostering deeper collaboration. This approach is set to drive sustainable long-term growth by making robotics and automation central to DHL’s operations and the broader logistics industry.

DHL – The logistics company for the world

DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

Media Contact:

Media Relations
Daniel Pohl
Phone: +49 228 182-9944
E-mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

SOURCE: DHL Group