It sounds pretty boring.
What does Stretch do?
Stretch has a box-like base with a set of wheels that can move in all directions.
On top of the base are a large robotic arm and a perception mast.
The robotic arm has seven degrees of freedom and a suction pad array that can grab and lift boxes.
The perception mast usescomputervisionpowered cameras and sensors to analyze its surroundings.
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This could be a boon for many warehouses that dont have automation equipment and infrastructure.
It all depends what the problem of the day is.
But thats exactly what real-world applications of robotics and artificial intelligence are all about.
And Stretch exactly fits that description.
Stretch might sound boring in comparison to the other things that Boston Dynamics has done in the past.
Thats not something that will set the internet on fire, but its transformative for a lot of businesses.
And unloading boxes is just one of the several physical tasks that are ripe for automation.
Theres also a growing market for sorting robots,order-pickingrobots, andautonomous forklifts.
What would make Boston Dynamics a successful contender in this competitive market?
In this respect, Boston Dynamics has two factors working to its advantage.
This can enable Stretch to work in a broader set of conditions than its competitors.
Second, the companysnew owner Hyundaiis one of the leading companies in mobile robot research and development.
Hyundai has already made extensive research in creating autonomous robots and vehicles that can navigate various environments and terrains.
Hyundai also has a great manufacturing capacity.
This will enable Boston Dynamics to reduce the costs of manufacturing Stretch and sell it at a competitive price.
But at heart, it is still an AI and robotics research lab.
The reality, however, is that real-world applicationsseldom use cutting-edge AI and robotics technology.
Todays businesses dont have much use for dancing and backflipping robots.
How will Stretchs success affect Boston Dynamics plans for human-like robots?
But its not impossible.
you might read the original articlehere.
