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Hello tech enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the fascinating journey of Cartken, the innovative robotics startup that made a surprising switch from food delivery to industrial applications, and trust me, it’s worth a read.
Founded by former Google engineers, Cartken initially dazzled with its four-wheeled robots that brought food on bustling college campuses and through Tokyo’s busy streets. But success in this field sparked curiosity about new horizons. And guess what? The company found a big goldmine in industrial settings.
Christian Bersch, the co-founder and CEO, revealed that incorporating robots into factories and labs was always part of their plan. When industrial clients approached, they saw an opportunity to help optimize material and production flows. The first major industrial deal came in 2023 with ZF Lifetec, a German manufacturing giant.
This company’s delivery robot, the Cartken Courier, initially designed to transport samples, became their best-seller in new environments. Bersch noted that these robots could travel both indoors and outdoors seamlessly, thanks to data from Tokyo street deliveries and their robust AI system that navigates obstacles.
While still servicing last-mile delivery on campuses and in Japan, Cartken pivoted to focus more on industrial clients, developing larger robots like the Cartken Hauler, capable of carrying up to 660 pounds, and indoor delivery models like the Cartken Runner. They’ve also partnered with Mitsubishi to expand into Japanese industries, aiming to replace manual material handling in automotive, pharma, and chemical sectors.
The shift to industrial robotics appears promising, with Cartken’s AI trained on diverse terrains and weather conditions—costing them over $20 million from major VC firms. This strategic pivot reflects their goal of revolutionizing material transportation in various industrial environments, while still maintaining their roots in last-mile delivery testing.
