Cartken, a German-founded robotics navigation software startup, has raised a total of $22.5 million, with the latest financing round bringing in $10 million. Cartken’s technology leverages AI and computer vision, allowing robots to operate seamlessly both indoors and outdoors, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and productivity.
Unlike existing mobile robot solutions in last-mile delivery and industrial settings, which are often limited to specific environments, Cartken’s autonomous navigation system can navigate diverse environments such as industrial complexes, production facilities, college and office campuses, and neighborhoods. The hardware-agnostic software platform uses low-cost, commoditized sensors and cameras instead of expensive LIDAR systems, enabling multiple vehicle types to operate safely around pedestrians and employees, sharing walkways and interacting with traffic from cars and other vehicles.
Since its inception, Cartken has completed hundreds of thousands of deliveries, averaging 36,000 deliveries per month. In 2023 alone, it saved employees over 10,000 hours in transportation time. The company serves major players in the OEM, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and chemical sectors across the United States, Germany, Denmark, and Japan. Cartken is also integrated with delivery platforms like Uber Eats and Grubhub. Recently, the company launched operations in Tokyo, Japan, in partnership with Uber Eats and Mitsubishi Electric.
“This investment accelerates Cartken’s path towards a future where self-driving technology is ubiquitous across most transport applications,” said Christian Bersch, Co-Founder and CEO of Cartken. “Our mission is to make this new technology accessible to companies across industries so they can automate their operations, improve productivity, and ensure employee safety.”
Cartken’s approach to autonomous navigation systems is set to revolutionize industrial automation and last-mile delivery. “We are thrilled to support a team that combines deep technical expertise with a clear vision for the future of autonomous unmanned vehicles,” said a representative from 468 Capital, the lead investor in the round. Other participants include Incubate Fund, LDV Partners, Vela Partners, and global mobility technology leaders such as Magna International, Mitsubishi Electric, Shell Ventures, and Volex.
This investment will enable Cartken to rapidly expand into new verticals, driving the future of industrial automation and last-mile delivery.