Robust.AI Unveils Major Enhancements to Carter™ Platform, Redefining the Future of Collaborative Robotics in Warehouse Automation
Robust.AI, a pioneering force in artificial intelligence and robotics for logistics, has announced a significant expansion of its flagship Carter™ platform. With its latest upgrade, Carter transforms from a single-function tool into a fully integrated, multi-functional robotics solution capable of fulfilling three essential roles in modern warehouse operations: a collaborative picking assistant, a point-to-point transport system, and a mobile sorting wall. This comprehensive approach, delivered through a single software-defined platform, offers unparalleled operational flexibility, scalability, and value to warehouse operators navigating the rapidly evolving demands of e-commerce and supply chain logistics.
The expanded capabilities of Carter mark a new chapter in warehouse automation—one where robots don’t merely perform repetitive tasks but instead adapt dynamically to changing workflows and support human teams in complex, high-variability environments. By consolidating multiple automation use cases into a single robot, Robust.AI allows customers to eliminate the need for multiple hardware systems, significantly reducing capital expenditure and operational complexity.
Reimagining Robotics for the Modern Warehouse
From its inception, Robust.AI has been guided by a simple but profound philosophy: robots should work with people, not replace them. This principle is evident in every aspect of Carter’s design, from its human-aware navigation to its intuitive interface that requires minimal training for warehouse associates. Designed with collaboration in mind, Carter is not just another autonomous mobile robot (AMR); it’s a co-worker that seamlessly integrates into the warehouse floor, moving fluidly among people and inventory.
Anthony Jules, Co-founder and CEO of Robust.AI, emphasized the company’s vision: “We believe robots should empower people, not replace them. Carter is designed to be intuitive and responsive, enabling effortless human interaction. With its expanded functionality, Carter continues to set new standards for efficiency, adaptability, and ease-of-use in modern warehouse environments.”
At the heart of this transformation is Robust.AI’s proprietary AI stack, which enables Carter to make intelligent, context-aware decisions in real time. Whether it’s navigating crowded aisles, prioritizing urgent tasks, or adjusting to changing workflows mid-shift, Carter’s behavior is guided by a deep understanding of human activity and warehouse dynamics.
Three Functions, One Platform
With its latest iteration, Carter can now perform three distinct warehouse roles—all without changing hardware:
- Fulfillment Picking Assistant: Carter autonomously follows warehouse associates as they pick items, reducing the amount of walking required and increasing pick rates significantly.
- Point-to-Point Transporter: It can be dispatched independently to move goods between stations, zones, or departments, improving material flow and reducing wait times.
- Mobile Sorting Wall: When stationed, Carter functions as a smart, mobile sorting station, enabling batch sorting and consolidation in dynamic environments.
This versatility allows warehouse operators to repurpose Carter in real-time based on operational priorities, peak demands, or labor availability. For example, a single Carter unit may assist with picking tasks during the morning shift and switch to transporting or sorting duties in the afternoon—all via software commands without physical reconfiguration.
RaaS Model Designed for Flexibility and ROI
Robust.AI delivers Carter as part of its Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS) offering, a model designed to align with customer outcomes. What makes this approach unique is that payments begin only after jointly defined performance metrics are achieved. This outcome-based structure reduces upfront risk and ensures that customers realize tangible benefits before incurring costs.
This model is particularly well-suited to the unpredictable nature of logistics, where demand can spike dramatically and labor shortages persist. By allowing businesses to deploy automation without the traditional capital investment, Robust.AI empowers even mid-sized warehouse operators to access cutting-edge technology and stay competitive.
Proven Results with DHL Supply Chain
One of the most compelling validations of Carter’s impact comes from Robust.AI’s ongoing partnership with DHL Supply Chain, a global leader in third-party logistics. Over the past year, Carter has been deployed across multiple DHL warehouse locations in the United States, demonstrating its ability to integrate seamlessly with existing operations and deliver immediate performance gains.
In a recent deployment at a DHL facility in Las Vegas, Carter achieved more than a 60% productivity improvement in picking operations on the first day. This level of uplift is especially notable in high-volume environments where every second counts. DHL has since expanded the use of Carter across additional sites, citing both its effectiveness and the strong working relationship with Robust.AI.
The success of this collaboration underscores a growing industry trend toward flexible, AI-driven automation that supports rather than replaces human labor. As warehouse operations grow more complex and customer expectations for faster delivery continue to rise, technologies like Carter provide a scalable solution to bridge the gap between manual labor and full automation.
Funding to Fuel the Next Phase of Growth
To support its rapid expansion and ongoing product development, Robust.AI recently closed a new round of funding. The round included participation from APL Ventures and Japan-based venture capital firm 15th Rock. The infusion of capital will be used to accelerate the company’s roadmap for next-generation collaborative robotics, strengthen its global partnerships, and expand deployments across North America, Europe, and Asia.
This funding arrives at a pivotal moment as the global warehouse automation market continues its upward trajectory, fueled by labor shortages, rising e-commerce volumes, and the need for resilient supply chain operations. Analysts project that the market for warehouse robotics will exceed $50 billion by 2030, and Robust.AI is well-positioned to capture a meaningful share of that growth through its differentiated approach.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Human-Centered Automation
Robust.AI’s vision goes beyond automation for efficiency’s sake. By designing robots that understand and adapt to human environments, the company is forging a new category of collaborative robotics—one where technology amplifies human potential and drives sustainable business outcomes.
With Carter leading the charge, the future of warehouse automation is not just faster or more efficient—it’s more human-aware, more adaptable, and ultimately, more empowering. Whether supporting picking operations during peak seasons, streamlining internal transport flows, or enabling flexible sorting stations, Carter represents a new standard for robotic collaboration in the logistics space.
As Robust.AI continues to expand its footprint and deepen its partnerships, the message is clear: the era of rigid, one-task robots is giving way to a new generation of intelligent, multi-role platforms that are redefining what’s possible in warehouse automation.
About Robust.AI
Robust.AI is on a mission to make robots work for people. Combining robotics, AI, and human-centered design, Robust.AI offers Collaborative Mobile Robots that help warehouses and manufacturing facilities increase throughput and support dynamic workflows for material handling – all with minimal setup requirements.