CartkenS Evolution: Shifting Focus from Campus Food delivery to Industrial Robotics

Initially known for deploying autonomous four-wheeled robots that delivered meals across university campuses and bustling Tokyo streets, Cartken is now redirecting its technological expertise toward industrial automation. This strategic pivot aligns with the increasing demand for robotic solutions in manufacturing and logistics sectors worldwide.

Exploring Industrial Automation Opportunities Beyond Food Delivery

Although Cartken began by specializing in last-mile food delivery, the company’s leadership recognized early on that their robotic technology had broader potential.Growing interest from factories and research labs encouraged a deeper investigation into how these robots could revolutionize material transport within industrial environments.

Christian Bersch, Cartken’s co-founder and CEO, highlighted that automating internal logistics offers significant efficiency gains.”We realized ther was significant value in deploying our robots inside facilities to optimize workflow processes,” he stated.

Early Industrial Adoption: A Turning Point with ZF Lifetec

The company’s breakthrough came in 2023 when German manufacturer ZF Lifetec became its frist major industrial client.They repurposed the Cartken Courier, a compact robot originally designed to carry up to 44 pounds-similar in size to a mobile cooler-to transport production samples within their plants instead of delivering food.

Bersch remarked, “That robot quickly became our busiest unit onsite, proving there was genuine demand beyond campus deliveries.” This success motivated Cartken to expand its focus on industrial applications while maintaining its original consumer delivery services.

Advanced AI Enables Navigation Across Complex Environments

The transition into industry was supported by Cartken’s refined AI system powering their fleet. Trained extensively using data collected from navigating Tokyo’s crowded streets under diverse weather conditions, these robots excel at maneuvering through intricate indoor-outdoor spaces while skillfully avoiding obstacles.

Diversifying Product Offerings Tailored for Industry Needs

Building on this momentum, Cartken launched new models specifically engineered for heavier payloads and indoor operations:

• Cartken Hauler: Designed for transporting loads up to 660 pounds-perfect for moving large materials within factory settings.
• Cartken Runner: Optimized for tight indoor spaces requiring agile navigation during deliveries.
• A prototype robotic forklift currently under growth aims to automate warehouse tasks traditionally performed manually or with conventional machinery.

Bersch emphasized that all platforms share a versatile navigation framework adaptable across different robot sizes, enabling seamless integration of AI improvements throughout the product lineup.

Mitsubishi Partnership Fuels Expansion Within Japanese Industry

Mitsubishi has been instrumental sence early stages by facilitating regulatory approvals needed for operating autonomous robots on Tokyo streets. Now part of Mitsubishi Electric Group’s Melco Mobility Solutions division, nearly 100 units of the Cartken Hauler have been ordered specifically for deployment inside Japanese industrial complexes-a clear indicator of growing trust in robotic automation across sectors such as automotive manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals processing.

“Many industries face similar logistical challenges: moving materials between buildings often depends heavily on manual labor or small vehicles like carts or forklifts,” Bersch explained. “Our mission is replacing those repetitive tasks with dependable autonomous systems.”

Navigating Future Growth: Balancing Consumer Delivery With Industrial Robotics Expansion

Catering simultaneously to consumer-facing last-mile deliveries remains part of Cartken’s portfolio; however,future growth strategies prioritize industrial robotics due to stronger market potential there. Existing campus routes continue serving as innovation testbeds where new features are refined before broader implementation across factory floors globally.

the Global Surge of Autonomous Robots Revolutionizing Material Handling

• The global warehouse robotics market is projected to exceed $10 billion by 2027 due largely to labor shortages combined with rapid e-commerce expansion driving automation adoption.
• Cities such as Singapore have integrated autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) into port operations resulting in considerably reduced turnaround times.
• Largest automotive manufacturers now operate fleets comprising hundreds of AMRs coordinating complex assembly line logistics without human intervention.
• This trend reflects wider industry shifts toward smart factories powered by Industry 4.0 technologies aimed at boosting productivity while cutting operational expenses.