Boston Dynamics unveiled Stretch Gen 2 on November 3, 2026, as the second generation of its autonomous mobile robot for unloading freight trailers. The new model has a redesigned computing platform, an updated gripper and structural changes aimed at making maintenance easier.
Recognizing packages and handling boxes
According to Boston Dynamics, the robot’s pre-trained computer vision system can recognize most packages from day one without programming. Onboard lighting allows it to work inside dark trailers.
The company says Stretch Gen 2 can unload up to 1,000 boxes per hour, with a multipick feature helping it reach peak rates. Speed depends heavily on factors including box weight and how the load is arranged. The updated gripper has new valves and more precise sensing, which the manufacturer says improve grasping and placement during fast handling.
The robot uses a redesigned onboard computing platform. Boston Dynamics says regular software updates improve box detection, motion planning, picking strategies and modeling of the surrounding environment across a fleet without requiring hardware changes.
Design changes and maintenance
In designing the new generation, the Boston Dynamics team analyzed data from more than 100,000 operating hours and tens of millions of boxes already unloaded, the company says. It focused on common causes of unplanned downtime.
According to the manufacturer, continuous-rotation joints no longer hit the hard stops that previously caused mechanical stress. The robot also has 81 percent less internal cabling, a reduction of approximately half a mile. Its emergency stop is now lower and recessed; together with new panel materials, the change is intended to reduce the risk of an accidental stop or damage when a box falls.
Boston Dynamics says replacing an entire swiveling drive unit now takes about an hour rather than a full day. Onboard diagnostics and tools are intended to let customers’ own teams perform more routine maintenance.
Battery operation
According to Boston Dynamics, the battery lasts for two shifts. A fast charger brings it to 90 percent in approximately 75 minutes.
