14 May 2025 | Expert Insight
In this exclusive interview with Robotics Business News, Ben Gruettner, Vice President of Revenue at Robust.AI, unveils how the company’s Carter™ platform is pioneering a new era in warehouse automation. With its software-defined architecture and collaborative design, Carter™ delivers measurable productivity gains without the need for hardware overhauls. Gruettner shares insights on the innovations driving Carter’s success, its deployment at DHL, and how the recent funding round is shaping the future of collaborative robotics in the supply chain and beyond.
What specific innovations have been introduced to the Carter™ platform that enable it to perform multiple warehouse tasks without additional hardware?
Robust.AI has introduced key innovations to the Carter™ platform that enable it to perform multiple warehouse tasks without additional hardware. Carter's hardware is optimized for optimal efficiency and collaboration, while flexible and scalable software workflows drive major productivity gains. Innovations include:
Reduced walking (Intelligent path planning)
Zero dead walking (autonomous driving from P&D)
Reduced dwell time (enhanced seek & put via PTL)
Hands free picking (on robot scanner to free up hand)
Increased carts/picker (improved pick density)
Zero downtime between tasks (next robot is queued)
Together, these capabilities enable Carter to seamlessly manage diverse warehouse workflows without requiring additional hardware.
How does Robust.AI’s software-defined approach to warehouse robotics compare with traditional single-function automation systems?
Robust.AI’s software-defined approach delivers a fully deployable solution that offers greater flexibility and adaptability than traditional single-function automation systems. By using software to define workflows, Carter™ can easily shift between tasks, making warehouse operations faster to deploy, easier to scale, and more responsive to changing needs.
Can you elaborate on the measurable productivity gains seen during the Carter deployment at the DHL Supply Chain facility in Las Vegas?
The Carter™ deployment at the DHL Supply Chain facility in Las Vegas, Robust.AI achieved a 60% increase in picking productivity gain. Picking productivity gains is Robust.AI’s core metric for improving operations. While site by site that number can change based on differing fulfillment profiles and space, we guarantee these productivity gains as part of our customer agreements.
What types of environments or industries are best suited for the new, multi-functional capabilities of the Carter robot?
Carter™ is currently focused on 3PLs that need a flexible and scalable solution with rapid ROI, particularly in piece-picking fulfillment. Beyond logistics, Carter is designed to provide value in environments like retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and healthcare by optimizing the movement of goods and eliminating unnecessary walking. Specific examples include:
Outsource operations for logistics, retail, hospitality, and any business that requires transporting inventory.
Delivery of tools, parts, components, and kits in manufacturing operations.
Delivery of items in hospitals, airports, and hotels.
How does Robust.AI ensure seamless integration of Carter into existing warehouse workflows and infrastructure?
Robust.AI ensures seamless integration by connecting Carter™ directly to the customer’s WMS, regardless of platform, enabling smooth communication with existing inventory systems.
What role will the latest round of funding from APL Ventures and 15th Rock play in the company’s roadmap for expansion and product development?
The latest funding from APL Ventures and 15th Rock will help with Robust.AI’s expansion, deepen strategic partnerships, and accelerate the development of next-generation collaborative robotics solutions designed to transform the supply chain industry.
What long-term vision does Robust.AI have for collaborative robotics in the supply chain and logistics sectors?
Robust.AI’s long-term vision is to create world-class collaborative robotics solutions that optimize tasks across the supply chain by empowering people and enhancing productivity. Central to this vision is Robust.AI’s mission: to create AI-powered robots that work with and for people, driving smarter, more flexible operations.
