Hello Robot has unveiled the latest version of its Stretch mobile manipulator robot, boasting improvements in both manufacture and user experience. Stretch 3, the innovative and refined successor to its predecessor, positions itself as an advanced tool for research applications. The company has incorporated new features such as a 3D camera mounted on top for enhanced perception and an upgraded DexWrist 3 gripper equipped with a 3D camera, facilitating precise control of the gripper fingers.
Community-Driven Robotic Innovation
The evolution of Stretch 3 supports a bourgeoning developer community, envisaging a future where robots assist with domestic tasks such as laundry, pet care, and aiding the elderly. The company’s approach, powered by a robust research community, focuses on leveraging advances in AI to expand the capabilities of Stretch 3. Dr. Aaron Edsinger, co-founder and CEO of Hello Robot, emphasizes the robot’s role in driving innovation within the robotics field. His colleague, co-founder and CTO Charlie Kemp, brings significant research expertise from his tenure at Georgia Tech, which played a pivotal role in Stretch’s initial development.
Specifications and Performance
Stretch 3’s specifications include a 2 kg payload capacity, a 24.5 kg weight, and dimensions designed for home environments. The robot’s operational runtime spans between two to five hours, and it supports ROS 2 and Python for its software development kit. These features are reflective of Stretch 3’s emphasis on accessibility and practical application in research and development settings.
Fostering a Robotics Ecosystem
Hello Robot’s open platform has attracted global interest from industry giants, leading research institutions, and academia, spread across 14 countries. The developer community actively contributes code, data, models, and educational resources to propel the growth of domestic robotics. Edsinger shares a vision akin to an app store, where the community can exchange and download new skills for Stretch, allowing for customization according to individual needs. This vision aligns with recent AI advancements, which have accelerated the development of autonomous household robots, once thought to be a distant goal.
Stretch 3 also shows promise for assisting individuals with disabilities in regaining independence through performing daily tasks. During a demonstration at Hello Robot’s headquarters, an occupational therapist showcased Stretch 3’s potential to help with dressing, operating door locks, and handling objects from the microwave. These functionalities offer a glimpse into the robot’s ability to enhance the quality of life for many.
Thanks to a substantial grant from the National Institute of Health, Hello Robot is set to commercialize its mobile manipulator technology. Priced at $24,950, Stretch 3 is currently available for purchase, catering to researchers, educators, developers, and technology enthusiasts.
