Cartken, an autonomous robotics startup, has shifted focus from food delivery to industrial applications, reflecting current technological changes.
From Campus Deliveries to Industrial Robotics
Initially known for its four-wheeled robots facilitating food deliveries, Cartken has now targeted industrial applications. Co-founder and CEO Christian Bersch noted that utilizing their robots in industrial settings was a consideration from the beginning. "There’s a real big need in industrial and onsite use cases," Bersch stated.
The Power of Autonomous Robots in New Frontiers
In 2023, Cartken partnered with ZF Lifetec, a German manufacturing company, deploying their existing delivery robots, the Cartken Courier. These robots can carry up to 44 pounds and quickly became the busiest in the fleet. "Our food delivery robot started moving production samples around, and it’s quickly turned into our busiest robot of all," Bersch explained.
Streamlining Material Handling in Industries
While Cartken maintains its focus on food delivery, it will not pursue expansion in that area. Existing routes will serve as testing grounds for new capabilities. The main value proposition lies in optimizing material handling, automating the movement of goods within factories and warehouses, thus providing significant benefits.
Cartken’s evolution from a food delivery startup to a leader in industrial robotics illustrates how innovative technologies can be leveraged to improve processes and enhance efficiency.
