Cartken Expands Focus to Industrial Robotics
Cartken, the autonomous robotics startup known for its food delivery robots, is now shifting its focus to industrial settings. The company, founded by former Google engineers, has seen a growing demand for its robots in factories and labs.
CEO Christian Bersch explained that the transition to industrial use cases was a natural progression for Cartken. The company’s delivery robots, originally designed for food delivery on college campuses and busy city streets, have proven to be versatile enough for industrial applications.
One of Cartken’s first industrial clients, German manufacturing company ZF Lifetec, quickly adopted the use of Cartken Courier robots for moving production samples. This success prompted Cartken to explore the potential of the industrial market further.
With the ability to carry up to 44 pounds, the Cartken Courier robots have now become a staple in industrial settings. The company’s expertise in navigating various terrains and weather conditions, honed through years of delivering food in Tokyo, has made their robots highly adaptable for industrial use.
Building on this success, Cartken has introduced new robotic models tailored for industrial environments. The Cartken Hauler, capable of carrying up to 660 pounds, and the Cartken Runner for indoor deliveries are part of the company’s expanded fleet. Additionally, Cartken is developing a robotic forklift to further enhance its industrial offerings.
Cartken’s strategic partnership with Mitsubishi, which facilitated the deployment of their delivery robots in Tokyo, has also deepened. Melco Mobility Solutions, a Mitsubishi subsidiary, recently ordered nearly 100 Cartken Hauler robots for use in Japanese industrial facilities.
According to Bersch, Cartken is seeing traction across a range of industries, from automotive to pharmaceuticals. The company aims to streamline material handling processes in corporate settings, where manual labor or traditional equipment is currently used.
While Cartken will continue its food and consumer delivery operations, the focus will now be on expanding its presence in the industrial robotics space. The company remains committed to innovation and testing new capabilities to meet the evolving needs of its customers.
