Over the past year, robotics has seen significant advancements, with a particular focus on AI’s potential to revolutionize the field. Amidst discussions about humanoid robots and their potential impact, Hello Robot has been diligently working on improving its Stretch robot. Their goal is to make it not only useful and reliable but also affordable, expandable, and community-friendly.
Hello Robot is proud to unveil Stretch 3, the latest version of what they describe as “the world’s only lightweight, capable, developer-friendly mobile manipulator.” Despite the substantial upgrades included in this new model, Hello Robot has managed to maintain its commitment to affordability.
One of the key enhancements in Stretch 3 is the inclusion of the previously optional dexterous wrist kit as a standard feature. Additionally, Stretch 3 is equipped with an Intel Realsense D405 camera strategically positioned behind the gripper, significantly improving both autonomy and remote teleoperation capabilities. This improvement, inspired by research from Maya Cakmak’s lab at the University of Washington, showcases Hello Robot’s dedication to incorporating community-driven innovations into its products.
Aaron Edsinger, Hello Robot’s co-founder and CEO, emphasized the importance of community feedback in the development of Stretch 3. The company has observed an increase in publications and believes they are reaching a pivotal moment with Stretch, thanks to the implementation of features requested by their community.
Charlie Kemp, Hello Robot’s co-founder and CTO, explained the rationale behind making the dexterous wrist a standard feature. The decision was based on customer behaviour, as nearly every order included the wrist as an add-on. By standardizing it, Hello Robot has enhanced the system’s robustness and capability.
Kemp also highlighted the importance of ease of use for their research customers. By simplifying the initial setup and operation, researchers can focus more on utilizing the robot for practical applications rather than troubleshooting.
While Stretch has been successful as both a research platform and a tool for assisting individuals with disabilities, Hello Robot envisions a broader role for the robot in general home use. The company aims for Stretch to become a versatile, general-purpose home robot, capable of performing household tasks such as dishes, laundry, and even entertaining children with bubble cannons.
Despite the challenges associated with home robotics, Hello Robot remains optimistic about the future. They believe that the integration of advancements in sensing and manipulation will make the dream of a home robot more attainable than ever before.
Stretch’s design, emphasizing portability and safety, sets it apart from other mobile robots. Its lightweight and compact size allows it to be easily transported and operated in typical home environments. Hello Robot’s approach allows for real-world data collection in homes, which is crucial for advancing machine learning and autonomous capabilities in domestic robots.
The introduction of the ability for two Stretch robots to collaborate introduces a novel solution to bimanual manipulation tasks without resorting to a humanoid design. This flexibility in operation supports a wide range of tasks, from kitchen chores to making beds, showcasing the potential for robots to assist in everyday life.
While the current price point of Stretch 3 places it within reach for research and educational purposes, Hello Robot acknowledges the need for scale to make such technology accessible to a wider audience. The company is cautious about scaling too quickly, preferring to fully understand the robot’s capabilities and market needs before pursuing mass production.
Hello Robot’s sustainable business model, which allows for the development, sale, and support of Stretch without reliance on future scaling for profitability, sets a solid foundation for the company’s continued innovation and growth.
Stretch 3, priced at $24,950, incorporates numerous upgrades, including FCC certification, a more durable arm, and off-board GPU support, making it a significant advancement over its predecessor while maintaining a commitment to affordability and practicality.
