Otto Group, one of the world’s largest e-commerce retailers , has signed a strategic agreement with mobile robotics provider Boston Dynamics to continue automating its logistics operations .
The plan is to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots in more than 10 of the group’s sites and Stretch robots in more than 20 of its sites over the next two years, starting with Hermes Fulfilment.
This deployment supports Otto Group’s efforts to increase safety, improve operational efficiency and address labor shortages for certain warehouse tasks. The agreement is the first time that both of Boston Dynamics’ commercially available robots will be deployed together at an enterprise scale.
Under the terms of the agreement, Boston Dynamics’ four-legged mobile robot Spot will support tunnel inspections and predictive maintenance activities for operational equipment, including thermal monitoring, analog gauge reading and acoustic detection of compressed air and gas leaks.
The Spot fleet will also conduct autonomous missions, collecting data for machine learning models to support tasks such as fire escape monitoring and detecting small changes in storage racks, making Otto Group’s warehouses even safer.
In addition, Otto Group will use Boston Dynamics’ Stretch, a box-handling robot designed for warehouse applications. Stretch will begin unloading containers at 10 sites next year, with all sites expected to be operational by the end of 2025.
Stretch, which is particularly useful for unloading heavy packages in the container industry, will provide technological support for physically demanding activities.
“The collaboration with Boston Dynamics is another important step in preparing us for the future,” says Kay Schiebur, Otto Group Board Member and Services Officer. “We aim for the best service for our customers and an innovative working environment for our employees. Robotics and artificial intelligence are central components of our daily business and will become even more important.”
The Otto Group offers its staff a comprehensive training program to equip them with skills to work with robotics and artificial intelligence. To date, more than 10,000 warehouse and facility employees have taken part in the company’s TechUcation virtual training courses.
This training is supported by concrete on-site training, enabling existing job profiles to develop digitally and shape the future together.
“We have learned to adapt quickly and flexibly to new market situations, which makes us strong for the future,” says Schiebur.
Otto Group and Boston Dynamics also plan to collaborate on research and development, including additional future use cases for both Spot and Stretch robots, over the next several years.
“As one of Europe’s most innovative and forward-thinking companies, Otto Group is a perfect fit for our technology,” said Robert Playter, CEO of Boston Dynamics. “This agreement represents a strategic collaboration that will benefit both of our companies for years to come, and we look forward to seeing the value our mobile robots can provide when combined with Otto Group’s deep expertise in logistics and fulfillment.”
