In a world where robots and humans increasingly share workspaces, Robust AI’s Carter Pro sets a new benchmark for collaboration. This innovative robot, developed at the company’s San Carlos, California headquarters, isn’t just another automated machine—it’s designed to work with humans and can even be moved around manually.
The Carter Pro’s standout feature is its human-first design. Using a bright orange handlebar, employees can direct the robot, which will adjust based on the force applied.
This ensures smooth interactions and adds a crucial layer of safety, a major concern in environments where robots and humans work side by side.
Unlike many robots that rely on lidar for navigation, Carter Pro uses cameras. This approach helps lower costs and works better in warehouses, where lidar can have issues. The shelving in the demo warehouse is simple and standard, showing how easily the robot fits into existing setups.
The vision behind Carter Pro comes from CTO Rodney Brooks, a pioneer in human-robot interaction (HRI) and the founder of Rethink Robotics.
Brooks highlights that while fully autonomous robots replacing humans might be a distant dream, the current priority is building robots that can safely collaborate with people.
DHL has already started using Carter Pro, marking it as the first major customer. However, Robust AI is diversifying its clientele to avoid over-reliance on a single partner, ensuring stability in a competitive robotics market.
Speaker: Brooks
“We won’t rely solely on DHL. Walmart backed robotics companies but later shut them down, leaving those firms struggling. We’ve limited DHL’s share to ensure a diverse customer base.”
Carter Pro isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a future where humans and robots work as true partners. With its thoughtful design and adaptability, it’s paving the way for safer, smarter workplaces.
