What is the Bear Carti Low Profile?
The Bear Robotics Carti Low-Profile is a heavy-duty autonomous mobile robot (AMR) engineered for material transport in warehouses, factories, and logistics centers. Manufactured by Bear Robotics, a California-based robotics company founded in 2017, this low-profile AMR is specifically designed to drive under industrial shelving and racking systems, carrying loads up to 1,500 kg on a flatbed or customizable top module. It navigates using a sensor suite that includes safety-rated LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and IMU, enabling 360° obstacle detection and safe operation in dynamic indoor environments. With a top speed of 7.2 km/h and an 8-hour battery runtime, the Carti Low-Profile bridges the gap between light-duty delivery robots and full-size forklifts, automating heavy material movement without the need for fixed infrastructure like magnetic tape or beacons.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | Low-profile (exact height undisclosed) |
| Weight | Not specified |
| Degrees of freedom | 0 |
| Battery life | 8 hours |
| Max speed | 7.2 km/h |
| Payload | 1500 kg |
| Price (new) | Undisclosed (enterprise sales only) |
| Price (used range) | N/A (limited secondary market) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: Undisclosed (enterprise sales only)
Used range: N/A — no public used market; may occasionally appear through industrial equipment resellers
Bear Robotics does not publicly list pricing for the Carti Low-Profile; all sales are handled through direct enterprise contracts. Given the robot’s high payload capacity (1,500 kg) and industrial-grade sensor suite, its price likely competes with other heavy AMRs in the $80,000–$150,000 range, though exact figures remain undisclosed. Compared to forklift-mounted automation or fixed conveyor systems, the Carti offers a flexible, infrastructure-free alternative that can reduce material-handling labor costs. Because the robot is relatively new (launched in 2024) and targeted at enterprise buyers, used units are extremely rare, so any listed second-hand model would command a substantial price due to scarcity. Prospective buyers should budget for fleet management software licensing and periodic battery replacement, which could add 15–20% to the total cost of ownership over five years. For high-throughput logistics operations, the Carti's heavy payload and low-profile design present a compelling value proposition that may justify the undisclosed upfront investment.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Warehouses and distribution centers moving palletized or heavy materials (up to 1,500 kg) between zones, especially where low ceilings or racking systems require a drive-under robot - Manufacturing facilities automating delivery of heavy raw materials or finished goods to production lines, replacing manual forklift trips - Logistics hubs needing to integrate heavy AMRs with existing conveyor or automated storage systems, using the Carti’s customizable top modules
Not for: - Small-scale operations or retail stock replenishment (50 kg payload class robots are more cost-effective) - Outdoor use — the Carti lacks weatherproofing certification and is designed for smooth indoor floors only - Operations requiring speeds above 7.2 km/h or extremely tight navigation in narrow aisles (the robot’s turning radius and size may be limiting)
Alternatives & Comparison
The Carti Low-Profile competes in the heavy indoor AMR space against robots like the MiR250, Fetch Freight500, and Aethon TUG T4, but it stands apart with its exceptionally high payload rating.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiR250 | ~$70,000 (est.) | yes | Payload only 250 kg vs Carti's 1500 kg; smaller footprint |
| Fetch Freight500 | Undisclosed (~$100,000 est.) | yes | Moderate 500 kg payload, lacks low-profile drive-under design |
| Aethon TUG T4 | ~$60,000–$80,000 (est.) | yes | Payload 453 kg, primarily healthcare-focused, not suitable for heavy industrial loads |
Verdict: Organizations that need to move over 500 kg per trip will find the Carti Low-Profile in a league of its own among indoor AMRs. While the MiR250 and TUG are more affordable and serviceable for lighter loads, the Carti’s 1,500 kg capacity and low-profile chassis make it the only realistic choice for automating heavy pallet or rack movement without a forklift. However, if payload requirements are below 500 kg, the MiR250 or Fetch Freight500 offer more mature ecosystems and lower estimated pricing. For heavy logistics, the Carti is the clear winner.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Heavy Pallet Transport in Distribution Centers
The Carti Low-Profile excels at moving whole pallets of goods across expansive distribution centers, eliminating the need for manual forklift trips. Its flatbed top module accommodates standard pallets, and the low-profile chassis allows it to glide under raised pallet racks or mezzanines. Integration with warehouse management systems (WMS) enables on-demand material calls, reducing travel time and labor costs. While the robot's top speed of 7.2 km/h is sufficient for most DC floorplans, very large facilities may require multiple units or optimized fleet routing. The heavy 1,500 kg rating ensures that even fully loaded bulk pallets can be transported safely.
Raw Material Delivery in Manufacturing
In automotive, aerospace, or heavy machinery plants, the Carti can automate the delivery of raw materials such as steel coils, large castings, or engine blocks directly to production cells. Customizable top modules can be fitted with cradles or staging fixtures to securely hold irregular loads. By replacing manned tow tractors or forklifts for routine replenishment, the Carti reduces labor dependency and accident risk on the factory floor. Just-in-time delivery scheduling via Bear Robotics' fleet management software ensures that line-side buffers are maintained without overstocking. The robot's indoor-only design means it must operate on smooth concrete floors, making it ill-suited for foundries with rough surfaces.
Drive-Under Cart Automation in Logistics
Thanks to its low-profile form factor, the Carti can autonomously drive under roller cages, wheeled carts, or dollies and engage them using a lift pin or tow hitch. This capability automates milk-run logistics — routine transport of kits and subassemblies between warehouse zones or between a warehouse and a production line. The robot's 360° obstacle detection ensures safety in mixed human-robot traffic, while the absence of magnetic tape or beacons speeds deployment. A fleet of Cartis managed by the central fleet software can dynamically respond to material requests, reducing idle carts and optimizing throughput. The only limitation is that the robot's towing capacity must be verified per application, as the 1,500 kg payload rating refers to carried load, not towed load.
History & Background
Bear Robotics was founded in 2017 in Redwood City, California, with a focus on autonomous indoor service robots. The company initially gained recognition for its Servi line of food-running robots for restaurants. In October 2024, Bear Robotics expanded into the industrial automation market by announcing the Carti product family, which includes the Carti 100 (a lower-payload variant) and the Carti Low-Profile. The Low-Profile model was engineered for heavy material handling in warehousing and manufacturing, leveraging Bear’s expertise in indoor navigation and fleet management. As of 2026, the Carti Low-Profile remains an enterprise-sales product with no public pricing, and Bear Robotics continues to operate as an independent company, with deployments reported in North America and Asia.
Buying Used — What to Check
Verify payload history and weight certifications Overloading or misuse can compromise the drive train and safety sensors.
Check battery cycles and remaining capacity Battery replacement cost is high for heavy AMRs, and degraded batteries reduce operational runtime.
Request fleet management software license transfer Bear’s fleet management system may require a subscription; ensure the used unit includes valid license transfer.