Robust.AI launches new Carter Pro collaborative mobile robot

Robust.AI, a San Carlos, Calif. based cobot manufacturer, has launched Carter Pro, a new collaborative mobile robot, that combines AI and interaction models.

The company says that Carter Pro creates a new, more accessible path to scale and ROI via collaborative productivity.

New cobot enables continuous improvement

Carter Pro uses AI that understands the world alongside novel robot hardware for tactile interaction, according to Robust.

“Carter Pro is aware of its environment and people around it in a way no other robot is, and its AI makes it responsive to circumstances in a way that makes sense to people working with or near the robot,” said Rodney Brooks, co-founder and CTO of Robust.AI. “These robots do not replace humans but support them in their work acting as people need them to.”

AI-driven action and data collection power Carter Pro’s continuous improvement engine. Physical AI informs and guides the robot, translating data inputs into action and learning for current - and future - workflows and scenarios. With the robot understanding its surroundings and making navigation decisions based on what it sees, Carter Pro is a good example of an on-the-ground option impacting business operations, and the people driving them, right now.

Carter Pro takes human-robot interaction and collaboration to a higher, more intuitive level - where the company says autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) on the market have historically fallen short. One of Carter Pro’s defining features is its sense of touch through both active and passive force sensing. Workers can alter the robot’s actions at any time by taking simple, natural measures to physically move the robot like any typical object in the world. They have the ability to take control, in real-time, and have the flexibility to choose when Carter Pro is fully autonomous or truly collaborative.

Robust says having more control increases worker enthusiasm and confidence, helping ensure safety and optimal usage.

“Its collaborative aptitude is the X-factor and what excites us the most,” said Anthony Jules, co-founder and CEO of Robust.AI. “We have workers asking, ‘Can I have a turn?’ People improve their ways of working with a responsive partner - whether it’s a robot, another human or some other solution. It’s about helping people seamlessly execute tasks with less cognitive load, so they can get more done.”

Alongside the launch of Carter Pro, Robust.AI is actively deploying AMRs with DHL Supply Chain in both the U.S. and Mexico.

“We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Robust AI and celebrate the launch of their new robot, Carter Pro,” said Sally Miller, Global CIO of DHL Supply Chain. “This innovative technology exemplifies the strides we are making together in revolutionizing supply chain operations. The dynamic nature of the supply chain industry demands constant evolution and adaptation, and robotics play a crucial role in meeting these unique challenges. Our growing relationship with Robust AI underscores our commitment to leveraging flexible solutions that drive efficiency and improve the working environment for our associates.”

Carter Pro unlocks more flexible and scalable picking deployments across business operations, which the company says strikes a balance of automation and control. With low-friction set-up and installation, Carter Pro also promotes scalable deployment, less stress on implementation teams, more seamless training processes and decreased time-to-ROI.

Carter Pro Key Features:

• 360° AI-optimized vision system for navigation and safety
• Patented holonomic drive for instant movement in any direction
• Put-to-light adaptive LED system standard on all robots to minimize errors and improve efficiency
• Force-sensitive handlebar for easy single-hand operation
• Whole-robot force sensing for easy manual robot manipulation
• Camera-based vSLAM for accurate, intelligent mapping and localization
• High-visibility marquees for improved understanding and instruction
• Instructive touch screen with intuitive UI
• Built-in barcode scanner
• Thousands of easy-to-configure shelving options

Carter Pro specifications:

Want to learn more about mobile robots? This article was featured in the February 2025 Robotics 24/7 Special Focus Issue titled “Mobile robots of all shapes and sizes.”