Why Cartken shifted from food delivery to industrial robotics
Autonomous delivery robots zooming across college campuses or weaving through Tokyo’s sidewalks have become almost iconic, and Cartken was right at the center of this innovation. But a new opportunity has quietly overtaken their original mission. The robotics startup has pivoted from last-mile delivery to a growing and potentially more lucrative space: industrial automation. This shift didn’t happen overnight, but it’s a strategic evolution driven by real-world demand and scalability. Cartken’s co-founders, including CEO Christian Bersch, saw potential beyond burrito runs — a chance to optimize factory floors and boost operational efficiency. This blog post explores why Cartken made the change, how its robots are performing in industrial settings, and what it means for the future of automation. If you’ve been curious about Cartken’s shift into industrial robotics, this breakdown explains it all.
Image Credits:Cartken
From campus deliveries to factory logistics: What triggered the pivot
Cartken was originally celebrated for revolutionizing last-mile delivery. Their small, boxy autonomous robots, resembling rolling coolers, were deployed widely across college campuses in the U.S. and busy streets in Japan. These robots gained visibility through partnerships with food delivery giants like Uber Eats and GrubHub. But even while this was happening, co-founder Christian Bersch hinted that the company always saw broader potential for its tech. That potential became reality when German manufacturer ZF Lifetec approached Cartken about using the robots to move samples around its facility.
Instead of resisting the shift, Cartken embraced it — because the use cases were clear and urgent. Industrial environments, from large factories to intricate research labs, are teeming with repetitive transport tasks that scream for automation. Unlike congested sidewalks or unpredictable urban terrain, factory floors offer controlled environments ideal for robots. The Cartken Courier robot, already designed to navigate diverse conditions, proved to be an ideal fit. It could carry up to 44 pounds and maneuver autonomously with advanced obstacle detection. ZF Lifetec’s deployment was so successful that the robots became some of the most active units in Cartken’s fleet, prompting leadership to consider scaling their industrial application.
Why industrial robotics is a smarter long-term bet for Cartken
While the last-mile delivery business is high-visibility, it's also brutally competitive. Companies like Starship Technologies, Serve Robotics, and even autonomous vehicle firms are battling over a limited slice of sidewalk real estate. Delivery margins are tight, and scaling can be expensive due to differing city regulations and infrastructure readiness. Industrial robotics, on the other hand, offers greater predictability, better ROI, and immediate operational value for businesses. Factories need autonomous transport solutions for parts, samples, and finished goods, and they're willing to pay for reliable, round-the-clock performance.
The best part? Cartken didn’t need to reinvent the wheel. The AI software, route optimization, and navigation tech built for delivery purposes translated smoothly into industrial use. Their robots already handled variables like weather, stairs, and curbside drop-offs. Factory floors presented fewer unknowns, which allowed Cartken to fine-tune the performance of its bots for maximum efficiency. This also meant less wear and tear, longer operational cycles, and more consistent feedback from industrial partners. Compared to food delivery, where robot downtime or obstacles can mean dissatisfied customers, factory use cases are lower risk but high impact. This strategic pivot has given Cartken not just a new identity, but a more sustainable business model.
How Cartken’s move reflects broader trends in the robotics space
Cartken’s pivot to industrial robotics isn’t just a one-off story — it reflects a wider shift in the robotics industry toward enterprise and B2B solutions. As more companies invest in automation to reduce labor costs and increase productivity, there's growing demand for robots that can operate safely and efficiently alongside humans in workplaces. Industrial robots aren't confined to assembly lines anymore; they’re increasingly being used for material transport, inspection, and even collaboration. Cartken is capitalizing on this trend by offering a flexible, modular robot system already tested in dynamic environments.
The company’s ability to adapt existing delivery technology for industrial purposes shows both engineering ingenuity and strong market awareness. Instead of chasing consumer trends, Cartken is leaning into experience, expertise, and trust — three pillars that help define their role in the automation ecosystem. With legacy players like Boston Dynamics, ABB, and KUKA already leading in heavy-duty robotics, there’s room for nimble startups like Cartken to own the middle ground: autonomous, mobile bots that can easily integrate into factories without overhauling the entire infrastructure. By positioning itself in this sweet spot, Cartken is not just surviving — it’s setting itself up to thrive in the automation economy of 2025 and beyond.
Post a Comment