Picking with Carter: The Autonomous Cart Built for Warehouses
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In this episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats live from ProMat 2025 with Ben Gruettner of Robust.AI to explore their groundbreaking autonomous cart, Carter. Designed to redefine how humans and robots work together, Carter blends automation with human control to tackle some of the most persistent challenges in warehouse environments. From flexible picking capabilities to congestion management, Carter is more than a mobile robot; it’s a collaborative partner. Ben shares how Robust.AI is helping operators gain efficiency without losing control, and why the company believes “collaborative” should mean more than “don’t hit people.”
Redefining What Collaboration Really Means in the Warehouse
The idea of collaboration between humans and robots has long felt more like a safety regulation than a true partnership. As Ben explains, “The term collaborative has really been a low bar. It’s meant just don’t hit people.” Robust.AI is raising that bar with Carter, an autonomous cart that invites human interaction rather than discourages it.
The key lies in its force and touch-sensitive handlebar, allowing any operator to grab and move the autonomous cart at any time without disrupting workflow. “We want this to look like a pushcart. There’s a lot of power and technology in here, but we want this to be an extension of a worker’s day-to-day,” Ben adds. This shift from avoidance to integration means warehouse associates gain tools that respond to their needs, on their terms.
How an Autonomous Cart Streamlines Navigation and Accuracy
Whether it’s a congested aisle or an off-center bot stop, Carter adapts. The system enables workers to manually reposition the cart if needed and return instantly to autonomous cart function. “We just want this little interaction here where you’re moving it… and then go complete your pick,” says Ben.
Carter’s UI makes it easy for pickers to identify items and locations with light-directed shelving and marquee displays that show location, side of aisle, and quantity. Even scanning workflows are optimized for flexibility and speed. Kevin notes how intuitive the experience is: “That quick lookup to be able to see is a huge thing from a visual indicator perspective.”
Scaling Smart: From 3PL Warehouses to Semiconductor Plants
Though Carter is optimized for picking, Robust.AI is proving its broader use across industries. “This can be for picking in a 3PL warehouse, but it could also be in a manufacturing environment… we’re just trying to eliminate that walking,” Ben shares.
With active deployments at DHL and an upcoming expansion into Mexico City, Robust.AI is scaling thoughtfully to meet varied demands, from sortation to long-haul point-to-point transport. Importantly, their system is WMS-agnostic, integrating directly or via middleware to meet each client’s needs. “We’re growing really fast… and trying to strategically focus on the right customers where we can scale,” Ben explains.
Key Takeaways
- Carter is designed to feel intuitive and approachable.
- With Carter, associates can take over instantly—no reprogramming needed.
- The system guides pickers clearly to reduce errors and training time.
- Carter handles picking, putaway, transport, and sortation with equal ease.
- Whether fully integrated or via middleware, Robust.AI meets clients where they are.
- The technology is already live in North America and expanding internationally.
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on Robust AI, click here.
To connect with Ben on LinkedIn, click here.
For more information about autonomous solutions for the warehouse, check out the podcasts below.
569: Autonomous Drone Inventory Management and More with Corvus Robotics
481: Achieving a Fully Autonomous Supply Chain with Nimble Robotics
467: Driving Warehouse Efficiency with Autonomous Forklift Products from VisonNav
