Best Robots for Unloading Loose Cartons From Trailers 2026

Unloading bulk cartons from trailers is a challenging activity. Cartons of different sizes are stored in different orientations and positions; the robot has to manipulate through a dynamic stack of items to place a carton onto the receiving conveyor. For an automated solution, therefore, it's not just about picking carton, but how reliably that process can be sustained.

This comparison evaluates Boston Dynamics Stretch, Pickle Robot Unload Robot and Mujin TruckBot in a single shared application: unwrapping floor-loaded cardboard cartons in a trailer, and converting the cartons onto a receiving conveyor. The comparison does not include palletized freight, and all three systems share the same carton mix and pattern.

We evaluate the models in five categories: supported carton range, unloading operation, conveyor handover, dock setup and handling exceptions. The ranking shown is based on the provided Robot24.com Market Research Database marks and overall scores. Confirm the proper model generations, operating configurations and site needs prior to purchase.

AT A GLANCE

 

The Robots Behind the Rankings

1. Boston Dynamics Stretch

Total Score: 87.0/100

Product supported carton range 9/10 Unloading workflow 9/10 Conveyor handoff 9/10 Dock setup 8/10 Handling exceptions 8/10

The ranking indicates a high combined score for the three high-traffic key phases of the shared task, including loose carton handling, unloading loose cartons from a trailer, and cartoning them onto a receiving conveyor. Conveyor handoff is a vital component, as only being able to pick cartons is not sufficient to conclude the receiving task.

Stretch is also the commercially deployed comparison baseline for this ranking. Don't assume that the generation included in the quote is the same. Gen 2 specs should not necessarily be associated with the commercially deployed Stretch baseline.

Another milestone for this system can be found in DHL Supply Chain announcing its first commercial deployment of Boston Dynamics' Stretch. This commercial deployment serves as a real-world commercial reference, but it isn't representative of performance in every trailer, carton mix or dock configuration.

2. Pickle Robot Unload Robot

Total score: 85.0/100

The Pickle Robot Unload Robot is the second most effective robotic system for order fulfillment, with a rating of 9/10 for supported carton range and unloading workflow. It scores 8/10 for conveyor handoff, dock setup and handling exceptions.

Its ratings suggest quite robust performance for the main unloading operation, which involves emptying loose cartons and keeping the unloading sequence flowing. One of the reasons for the positioning of Stretch – where it ranked below this product in this category – is the conveyor-handoff mark.

In receiving operations, the real concern is how dependable the robot will be to keep cartons in motion from trailer to conveyor as its unloading position varies. Buyers need to determine how the proposed configuration performs in challenging carton positions, unusual stacks and cartons that need operator assistance.

3. Mujin TruckBot

Total score: 83.0/100

Mujin TruckBot is in third position with 9/10 for unloading workflow and conveyor handoff. It receives 8/10 for supported carton range and handling exceptions and 7/10 for dock setup.

It excels in carton unloading and depositing onto the receiving conveyor. Integration with conveyors should be considered an important aspect of any evaluation.

This is a feature that you should take a closer look at for receiving facilities. Prior to installation, the site assessment needs to confirm how much trailer access, condition for conveyor placement and installation required. The robot can then be tested with the same carton mix and stack pattern as the other candidates.

The best fit depends on the complete unloading cycle

Boston Dynamics Stretch takes the overall top spot in this evaluation, scoring well in every category-especially in its unrivalled carton-handling ability, as well as the unloading workflow and conveyor handoff. Commercialisation of the robot is achieved, but the sort of generation and specs it offers should be verified.

Pickle Robot's Unload Robot and scores high on carton range and unloading. Mujin TruckBot scores highly on workflow and conveyor handoff (dock setup comes out at a lower score on this one).

Across all three systems, the ultimate metric is not the number of cartons a robot can pick. It is the number of cartons that are delivered to the receiving conveyor without operator impact, across similar trailer conditions.

Your last option will need to consider the size and weight of the cartons, the stable stack, conveyor requirements, dock configuration and each system's approach to handling exception cases.

 

RANKING EXPLAINED

 The shared task unloads cardboard cartons from a trailer onto a receiving conveyor. Floor loaded cartons are unloaded. Cartons that are palletized will not be available in the same quantity or mix to make a fair comparison between systems.

 

SCORING DETAIL

 

The overall scores provided have been kept as is. The formula for weighting was not in the source material. Averaging the five marks gives 86.0 for Stretch, 84.0 for Pickle Robot and 82.0 for Mujin TruckBot. Did not use original weighting or arithmetic before going to print.

The score comparison is an editorial opinion based on the data provided and the model info available without subjecting it to a test under the same trailer conditions. Other factors influencing performance may be carton size/weight, packaging condition, stack pattern, trailer form factor, and conveyor layout. Manufacturer specs cannot be assumed to be independently validated results. For Boston Dynamics Stretch, verify which generation is specified in the quote prior to assuming Gen 2 data applies to the commercial baseline.