Hello Robot has launched the third edition of its Stretch mobile manipulator robot, designed for open-source mobile manipulation. The company describes Stretch 3 as a refinement of the previous edition, with improved manufacturability and usability.
The new features of Stretch 3 include a rotating 3D camera at the top of the mast, which allows for perception functions and observing the robot’s environment. Another key feature is the more robust DexWrist 3 gripper, now equipped with a built-in 3D camera for vision servoing of the gripper fingers.
The wrist of Stretch 3 has a quick-change feature that enables users to swap out the gripper for specialized end effectors or even an iPad. These enhancements empower developers to create a future where robots can help in tasks such as folding laundry, feeding pets, supporting older adults, and enhancing life in new ways.
Dr. Aaron Edsinger, co-founder and CEO of Hello Robot, said, With Stretch 3, we are taking a real step towards a future with home robots. We designed Stretch 3 to help our community leverage recent advances in AI.
Stretch’s open platform has attracted innovators worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies, top-tier research labs, and universities. The developer community regularly releases open code, data, models, publications, and educational materials, accelerating progress towards a future with household robots.
Hello Robot envisions an online app store for Stretch, where users can share new skills that can be downloaded and installed onto the robot. This allows each user to customize the robot according to their unique needs and desired capabilities.
Edsinger stated, Thanks to advances in AI, robots like Stretch are developing faster than expected. A robot autonomously doing laundry was once considered a long-term ‘grand challenge,’ but is now within reach.
Stretch 3 has the potential to improve the daily lives of numerous people while enabling them to maintain their independence. With its ability to perform tasks like retrieving items, dressing assistance, and even opening doors, Stretch offers practical support for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility.
Hello Robot received a $2.5 million grant from the National Institute of Health in January 2023 to help commercialize its mobile manipulator technology, further advancing the development and accessibility of robots like Stretch.
Stretch 3 is currently available for researchers, educators, developers, and enthusiasts, with a price tag of $24,950. Hello Robot aims to create a future where home robots are commonplace, and Stretch 3 is a significant step towards achieving that vision.
