Cartken Shifts Strategy: From Last-Mile Delivery to Industrial Robotics
📷 Image source: techcrunch.com
Cartken, a robotics startup initially focused on last-mile delivery solutions, has made a strategic pivot toward industrial automation. The company, which once aimed to revolutionize urban package delivery with its autonomous sidewalk robots, is now targeting manufacturing and warehouse operations with its advanced robotic systems.
According to TechCrunch, the shift was driven by market realities. While last-mile delivery robots faced regulatory hurdles and scalability challenges, industrial applications presented a clearer path to revenue and growth. Cartken’s CEO cited stronger demand from logistics hubs and factories, where efficiency and automation are critical.
Additional reporting from The Robot Report confirms the broader industry trend. Many robotics firms are redirecting efforts toward industrial and enterprise clients, where automation needs are more immediate and well-funded. Cartken’s new focus aligns with this movement, leveraging its AI-driven navigation and mobility tech for structured environments like warehouses.
The company has already secured partnerships with major logistics players, signaling confidence in its revised direction. Experts suggest that while last-mile delivery remains a long-term opportunity, industrial robotics offers faster adoption and higher margins—a pragmatic pivot for a startup navigating a competitive landscape.

