Robust AI
Vista, US · Founded 2019 · 83 employees on LinkedIn · 8 known investors
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Robust.AI develops AI and robotics technology with a focus on human-centered design. The company builds expertise in artificial intelligence, robotics systems, and human-robot interaction.
Also known as Robust.AI · RobustAI
Founders & leadership
Robust AI was founded in 2019 by Anthony Jules, Rodney Brooks, and Leila Takayama.
Investors · 8
Company profile
researched Aug 2026Robust.AI develops AI-powered collaborative mobile robots intended to operate alongside people in dynamic warehouse environments. Its product, Carter, is a collaborative autonomous mobile robot for material handling that can be operated autonomously or manipulated manually via a force-sensitive handlebar, with the operator adjusting the task and then pushing or sending the robot on its way. The company positions the system around human-centric design, intelligent automation and adaptable workflows aimed at improving productivity, reducing errors and simplifying material handling.
Carter's stated features include a 360-degree AI-optimized vision system, a patented holonomic drive enabling instant movement in any direction, a put-to-light adaptive LED system, whole-robot force sensing, camera-based vSLAM for mapping and localization, high-visibility marquees, a touch screen interface, a built-in barcode scanner and configurable shelving options. Published specifications are exterior dimensions of 0.72 m x 1.4 m x 1.94 m, a payload capacity of 100 kg (220 lbs), 18 hours of operating time and a 360-degree camera field of view. The company markets solutions for warehousing and for manufacturing, emphasizing deployment without infrastructure changes and the ability to start small and scale.
Founding story
The company was co-founded by Anthony Jules, who served as CEO, and Rodney Brooks, who serves as chief technology officer and is known for originating the Roomba vacuum cleaner concept.
Business model
Robust.AI sells its Carter mobile robot to warehouse and manufacturing operators as an all-inclusive, no-CapEx offering, with deployment described as requiring no infrastructure changes and scaling incrementally as customer operations grow.
The company describes Carter as a no-CapEx, all-inclusive solution, indicating customers pay for the robots on a service/subscription-style basis rather than through capital purchase.
Traction
The company reports rising orders for the Carter mobile robot and expansion of its deployment at DHL. It publishes customer accounts of productivity gains from incremental warehouse deployments.
Latest developments
In 2026 Robust.AI appointed Marin Tchakarov as CEO amid growing orders for Carter, with co-founder Anthony Jules becoming chief innovation officer; announced a partnership with Aptiv featured at CES 2026; was named to Fast Company's World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026; and employee Justine Rembisz received a 2026 Women in Supply Chain Forum award.
▸Full profile — market position, technology, go-to-market, geography, history, risks & controversies
Market position
Robust.AI competes in warehouse and manufacturing autonomous mobile robotics, differentiating on collaborative, human-centered operation and vision-based navigation. It was named to Fast Company's list of the World's Most Innovative Companies of 2026.
The company emphasizes robots designed to work with warehouse workers rather than replace them: manual and autonomous operation via a force-sensitive handlebar, whole-robot force sensing, adaptive put-to-light guidance, vision-only SLAM navigation, no required infrastructure changes, and incremental deployment for rapid ROI.
Technology
The Carter robot combines deep learning with classical AI approaches. Navigation and safety rely on a 360-degree camera-based vision system and pure vision-based vSLAM rather than LIDAR, which the company notes as a departure from AMRs deployed in 2020. A patented holonomic drive allows omnidirectional movement, force-sensitive handlebars and whole-robot force sensing enable manual manipulation, and a put-to-light LED system, marquees, touchscreen UI and built-in barcode scanner support human-robot collaboration on the floor.
Go-to-market
Direct engagement with warehouse and manufacturing operators, supported by pilot-style incremental deployments that expand within accounts, a partner and customer network including a partnership with Aptiv showcased at CES 2026, and visibility through industry media, podcasts, conferences such as Web Summit, and thought leadership from co-founder and CTO Rodney Brooks.
Warehouse and manufacturing operations that need material handling and picking automation, including logistics operators; DHL is referenced as a deployment where the company has expanded.
Geography
United States-based operations, with public appearances including CES 2026 in Las Vegas and Web Summit in Lisbon.
History
Founded in 2019, the company has developed the Carter collaborative mobile robot for warehouse and manufacturing material handling. In August 2026 it announced a leadership change in which longtime CEO Anthony Jules moved into the chief innovation officer role and former Fox Robotics CEO Marin Tchakarov became chief executive.
Risks & controversies
The company has issued a public warning about employment scams using fraudulent emails, phishing for personal or financial information and false application links impersonating its hiring process.
Compiled by commissioned research from 8 cited public sources — announcements, filings, and press listed under research sources below.
Key figures
latest reportedCompany-reported or press-reported figures, each dated to when it was claimed — not independently audited.
Founder mafia
2 people who came through Robust AI went on to found or lead other companies.
Competitors · 2
by search overlap
Companies competing with Robust AI for the same Google search keywords, organic and paid, via search-intersection analysis.
Timeline · 4
launches, deals, and filingsLongtime CEO and co-founder Anthony Jules moved into the chief innovation officer role and former Fox Robotics CEO Marin Tchakarov was named chief executive, amid rising orders for the Carter mobile robot.
Robust.AI publicized a partnership with Aptiv, featuring Carter at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.
Dated company events from announcements, filings, and press; legal rows summarize public dockets and regulator releases.
In the news
▸Research sources · 8
primary sources listed
- Robust AIrobust.ai · web
8 public sources were cited for this profile; the first-party ones are listed here.
Frequently asked questions
- What does Robust AI do?
- Robust.AI builds Carter, an AI-powered collaborative mobile robot for warehouse and manufacturing material handling.
- Who founded Robust AI?
- Robust AI was founded by Anthony Jules, Rodney Brooks, Leila Takayama in 2019.
- Who are Robust AI's investors?
- Robust AI's investors include 15th Rock, Energy Impact Partners, Fontinalis Partners, Future Ventures, JAZZ Venture Partners, Metaplanet, Playground Global, Prime Movers Lab.
- Where is Robust AI headquartered?
- Robust AI is headquartered in Vista, US.