The Hidden Truth About Cartken's Journey from Delivery to Industry
Introduction
Cartken began as a startup aiming to change how we think about local drop-offs with its small, autonomous delivery robots. Known for its sleek bots efficiently navigating sidewalks to deliver coffee and takeout, Cartken became closely associated with last-mile delivery and the broader conversation around AI in logistics. However, what many may not realize is that Cartken’s most exciting chapter isn’t about food or packages—it’s about the company's strategic shift toward industrial robots.
As industries increasingly adopt automation to address workforce shortages, optimize logistics, and ensure operational efficiency, robotics companies are being pushed to evolve. Through its unexpected transition from delivery services to industrial deployment, Cartken has positioned itself at the intersection of robotics advancements and real-world application.
This blog unpacks how Cartken’s robots, initially created for short-range tasks like delivering lunch, have found a new and arguably more impactful home navigating factory floors and research labs.
Cartken's Early Journey in Last-Mile Delivery
Cartken officially launched as a delivery robotics company, aiming to automate last-mile delivery, a logistics problem long plagued by inconsistencies, human labor costs, and urban congestion. Founded by a group of former Google engineers—including Christian Bersch, Jake Stelman, Jonas Witt, and Anjali Naik—the startup debuted compact, autonomous mobile robots that could navigate sidewalks using cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms.
Their idea was simple yet effective: use AI-powered robots to move goods over short distances reliably. In partnerships with campus cafeterias and shopping malls, Cartken’s robots reduced wait times, improved delivery consistency, and lowered reliance on human couriers. These applications were especially helpful in controlled environments with predictable traffic and designated delivery zones.
Cartken’s delivery bots relied heavily on AI in logistics, leveraging real-time image processing and low-latency decision-making algorithms. As a result, they performed well in relatively structured outdoor settings like universities and business parks.
The company’s robots represented a core part of the growing interest in automating last-mile movement. But Cartken’s trajectory took a sharp and significant turn—a move not born of failure in delivery, but of unexpected success elsewhere.
The Pivot: From Delivery Robots to Industrial Solutions
The real moment of insight came when some of Cartken’s delivery bots were reallocated to factories, mainly for internal tests. According to Christian Bersch, Cartken's CEO, “Our food delivery robot started moving production samples around, and it’s quickly turned into our busiest robot of all.”
When these autonomous systems were deployed indoors to shuttle production parts or lab equipment, they proved both dependable and safe—traits highly valued in industrial settings. From that point, Cartken began rethinking its roadmap.
Demand didn't just trickle in; it surged. Manufacturing facilities and research institutions facing labor shortages and heightened automation drives saw Cartken’s robots as a plug-and-play solution. This marked the start of a firm pivot to industrial robots, changing the company’s fundamental identity.
A significant driver of this shift was the broader market trend. Global manufacturing is undergoing a sizable technological shift, with industrial automation expected to surpass $300 billion in valuation by 2030. Companies need reliable, scalable, AI-ready robotic systems—not just for precision tasks, but also for logistics within their own walls.
Cartken’s technology was ideally suited for such environments: self-navigating, adjustable to different terrain types, and featuring spatial awareness optimized by computer vision systems. What originated to tackle urban clutter now thrives amid assembly lines and lab benches.
Breakthrough in Industrial Robotics: New Models and Technologies
Pushed by this growing demand and powered by user insights, Cartken started developing purpose-built industrial models—ushering in a new era for its product suite. Most notably, the company introduced two standout models: the Cartken Hauler and the Cartken Runner.
- The Cartken Hauler was designed to carry heavier loads in factory and warehouse settings. Its chassis and power systems were fortified, while path-planning algorithms were improved for tighter spaces with complex obstructions.
- The Cartken Runner retained its nimble delivery roots but was adapted for lab logistics, capable of transporting smaller items like test tubes or circuit boards autonomously between departments.
Both models showcase advancements in robotics technologies, featuring improvements in obstacle detection, reinforced suspensions, and modular compartments. Most importantly, their operational logic is underpinned by increasingly sophisticated AI and edge computing, essential for high-accuracy movement in dynamic environments.
These advancements were fueled in part by Cartken’s strategic collaborations. The company teamed up with ZF Lifetec, a German automotive system supplier known for its industrial-grade engineering, and Mitsubishi, a household name in automation. These partnerships not only brought technical muscle to hardware design but also opened new market channels.
The result? A suite of industrial robots engineered not to explore sidewalks but to revolutionize how materials move in production spaces.
Impact of Robotics Advancements in Industrial Settings
As Cartken’s robots began replacing carts and human runners inside factories and labs, companies started noticing immediate improvements. Robotized workflows translated to...
- Increased throughput: Robots operate continuously and don’t require breaks. This alone can boost output by 10–20% in logistics-heavy operations.
- Improved safety: By minimizing human presence in areas with heavy equipment, OSHA-related incidents decrease.
- Higher precision: Cartken robots follow planned pathways and reduce item loss or misplacement.
In one pilot program conducted with ZF Lifetec, Cartken’s robots were integrated into the assembly testing line and reduced manual handling time by nearly 30%.
Still, like any technological deployment, the transition isn’t entirely frictionless. Challenges include calibration with existing software ecosystems, downtime for firmware updates, and ensuring indoor-path accessibility for autonomous navigation. That said, most manufacturers view these as temporary hurdles rather than deal-breakers.
The CEO of Cartken, Christian Bersch, offered a summarizing insight: “There’s a real big need in industrial and onsite use cases, significantly more than we ever saw in food or retail delivery.”
Looking ahead, Cartken and similar companies are expected to lead the charge toward smart factories—highly automated facilities where human oversight is enhanced by fleets of intelligent machinery. The infusion of AI in logistics within industrial settings will likely drive productivity in ways we’ve only begun to glimpse.
Strategic Partnerships and Their Role in Cartken’s Transformation
Crucial to Cartken’s rebranding from delivery provider to industrial solutions company has been its partnerships with global leaders. Notably, Cartken has worked closely with ZF Lifetec and Mitsubishi Electric, two companies with deep roots in manufacturing, quality control, and automation. These alliances helped not only with distribution and scaling but also drove hardware iteration.
Rather than developing everything from scratch, Cartken optimized its product lines by integrating high-grade motors, custom frames, and enhanced interfaces designed by its partners. Mitsubishi’s automation experience helped Cartken improve compatibility with existing industrial sensor systems.
Feedback loops were also accelerated through these partnerships. Instead of waiting months for user test data, co-creating with enterprise clients allowed Cartken to receive constant input and adapt in near-real-time.
Externally, these alliances have also served Cartken well in terms of trust and branding. Businesses are more likely to adopt experimental technology when it bears the backing of established industrial players. It's a classic case of the startup-and-corporate hybrid model: agility from one side, technology infrastructure from the other.
Internally, leadership such as Jake Stelman (CTO) and Anjali Naik (Operational Lead) have championed this shift, working closely with engineering and client onboarding teams to align priorities.
Conclusion
Cartken’s story is not just about pivoting from one sector to another—it’s a clear example of how industrial robots often find their greatest purpose outside their original intent. What began as a sidewalk delivery experiment became a backbone of internal factory logistics. By responding to market feedback and leaning into ongoing robotics advancements, Cartken has proven its flexibility and foresight.
In doing so, it shed its food delivery label and stepped into a more impactful, scalable role. The move from last-mile delivery to full-fledged industrial solutions didn’t just open new revenue streams; it repositioned Cartken as a central player in the automation of essential sectors.
For companies pondering their own automation journey, Cartken’s path offers inspiration and a tangible blueprint. The real takeaway? Sometimes the best destination isn’t where you originally pointed your robot—but where it works best.
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FAQs and Featured Snippet Optimization
What is Cartken known for?
Cartken is a robotics company originally focused on autonomous delivery robots. It has since evolved into a provider of industrial robotics solutions for factories and laboratories.
Why did Cartken shift from delivery to industrial robots?
Cartken’s delivery robots were repurposed in factory settings during trials, where they outperformed expectations. High demand in industrial use cases led to a strategic pivot from last-mile delivery to industrial logistics.
What are Cartken's main industrial robot models?
Cartken has introduced two key models for industrial use: the Cartken Hauler, designed for heavy load transportation, and the Cartken Runner, optimized for smaller, agile tasks.
What technologies power Cartken’s robots?
Cartken robots use AI for navigation, computer vision for obstacle detection, and edge computing for real-time decision-making. These capabilities allow them to operate autonomously in dynamic environments.
Which companies has Cartken partnered with?
Cartken has teamed up with ZF Lifetec and Mitsubishi, leveraging their industrial experience to enhance robot design and ensure smoother integration into factory and lab settings.
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Key Takeaways:
- Cartken transitioned from delivery robots to industrial robotics based on performance success and market need.
- Strategic partnerships were crucial in scaling both technology and trust.
- Industrial robots are becoming central to modern logistics and manufacturing workflows.
If you're keen on learning more about how industrial automation is reshaping business operations, Cartken's journey makes a compelling case for watching the robotics space closely.
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