What Carrybots Gmbh does

Carrybots GmbH is a Karlsruhe-based manufacturer of driverless transport systems (AGVs/FTS) for industrial intralogistics, founded in March 2021 as a joint venture between Schubert Business GmbH (part of the global packaging automation leader Schubert Group) and flexlog GmbH, which originated the HERBIE project. The company's sole product line, HERBIE, is a modular autonomous mobile robot available in M, L, and XL variants and configurable across four dimensions (top module, height, charging system, and software). The platform uses landmark-based navigation with SICK ScanGrid 2 LiDAR-based safety and achieves ±3 mm positioning accuracy in under 1 second, with published operating costs of approximately €0.4/km and payback periods under 2 years. Hardware production is handled by partner Gebhardt Fördertechnik, which also serves as a reference customer.

The company sells HERBIE starting at €10,900 per unit through a combination of direct enterprise sales, an online self-serve configurator that produces preliminary concepts and budget estimates, and a network of channel partners including Körber Supply Chain (warehouse automation), SEHO Systems (soldering line integration), and Schubert Group (parent and packaging-automation integrator). It has published reference deployments across 18+ named customers including TATA Consumer Products (77 units at a tea facility in India, processing ~100 tons/day in 24/7 operation), Daimler Truck AG (32 units in Halberstadt via Körber), ECCO (10 units), Lavazza, MIWE, and KaVo Dental. Revenue is generated through hardware sales, system integration and professional services, and software/configuration customization.

With 11-50 employees, no disclosed external funding rounds, and a GmbH structure registered at AG Mannheim (HRB 739604), Carrybots is privately held by its two JV parents and managed by Geschäftsführer Dr.-Ing. Thomas Stoll and Marcel Meckes. The product portfolio has expanded beyond hardware to include 3D material flow simulation services, an online fleet configurator, and the HERBIE Evolution release announced for June 2025. Distribution is concentrated in the DACH region with selected international reach (India, Portugal) via partner-led projects.

Name

Carrybots Gmbh

Legal name

Carrybots GmbH

Website

https://carrybots.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Carrybots GmbH is a Karlsruhe-based manufacturer of the HERBIE autonomous mobile robot for industrial intralogistics, selling modular driverless transport vehicles to manufacturing and logistics enterprises across Europe and selected international markets, including TATA and Daimler Truck.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Automation / Autonomous Mobile Robots (AGV/AMR)

NAICS

Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing (333924), Material Handling Equipment Manufacturing (33392)

SIC

Industrial Trucks, Tractors, Trailors & Stackers (3537)

akta.pro primary industry

Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) & Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) (IMAHABAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

Dock Equipment & Yard Logistics Systems (Dock Levelers, Restraints, Yard Trucks) (IMAHABAF)

Keywords

• Automated guided vehicles
• Intr Logistics automation
• Driverless transport systems
• Material handling robotics
• AGV fleet solutions

Headquarters

HQ city

Karlsruhe

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Others

Revenue model

1. HERBIE AGV/FTS Hardware Sales: Sale of HERBIE driverless transport vehicles (AGVs) as the primary revenue stream. HERBIE is available in multiple variants (HERBIE M, HERBIE L, HERBIE XL) with modular customization options. Base price starting at EUR 10,900 per unit. Revenue derived from initial vehicle purchase, with additional revenue from modular add-ons (top module, height, charging system configurations).
2. System Integration and Project Deployment: Professional services for system integration, on-site commissioning, and deployment of HERBIE fleets. The company provides remote guidance or deploys experts on-site for complex applications. For large-scale deployments (e.g., TATA project with 77 vehicles), the company integrates with Schubert Packaging Systems for turnkey solutions.
3. Software and Control Solutions: Modern control software is a key component of HERBIE's value proposition. The modular software dimension allows customization, and the mobile web application provides an intuitive interface for operators. Software configurations tailored to customer-specific applications generate ongoing value.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Carrybots develops, manufactures, and sells the HERBIE Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) / Driverless Transport System (FTS), a modular autonomous mobile robot for in-house transport of small loads in manufacturing and logistics environments. The product is offered in three size variants (HERBIE M, L, XL) and customized across four dimensions (Top Module, Height, Charging system, Software), supplemented by an online fleet configurator, 3D material flow simulation services, and remote/on-site deployment support.

Product overview

Carrybots GmbH is a German manufacturer of driverless transport systems (FTS/AGVs) for intralogistics, founded in March 2021 as a joint venture between Schubert Business GmbH and flexlog GmbH. The core product is HERBIE, available in M (compact), L (large), and XL (extra-large) variants, which are modular autonomous vehicles for internal small-load transport in production and logistics. HERBIE is customized in four dimensions: top module (manual, roller conveyor, or robotic arm), height, charging system (exchangeable battery or inductive), and software. The product portfolio also includes an online fleet configurator for sizing and budgeting, and 3D material flow simulation services for high-performance deployments. The system is managed through an intuitive mobile web application, and supports various order generation modes including cyclic, demand-based, and ID-reader-triggered. A 3D simulation service supports high-performance multi-vehicle planning.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HERBIE: Driverless transport vehicle (AGV/FTS) for internal transport of small loads in logistics and production environments. Modular design with customizable Top Module, Height, Charging, and Software options. Operating costs of 0.4 EUR/km with payback periods under 2 years.

Products and services

• HERBIE AGV / FTS Platform HERBIE is a modular driverless transport vehicle (Automated Guided Vehicle / Driverless Transport System) for in-house transport of small loads in logistics and production environments. It features landmark-based navigation with LiDAR safety scanners, up to 2.0 m/s speed, ±3 mm positioning accuracy in under 1 second, and modular customization across four dimensions (Top Module, Height, Charging system, Software). Operating costs are approximately EUR 0.4/km with payback periods under two years.
• HERBIE M HERBIE M is the compact model of the HERBIE AGV, designed for smaller load carriers and integration into compact production environments with manual or simple load handling. Used at customer sites such as egf GmbH and Gebhardt Fördertechnik.
• HERBIE L HERBIE L is a larger HERBIE variant designed for transporting bigger loads such as measuring parts from machines to a central inspection room. Deployed at Leiber Group for brake system measuring parts transport.
• HERBIE XL HERBIE XL is the largest HERBIE variant with customized load handling devices for transporting large items such as baking trays to ovens, enabling fully automated production processes. Deployed at MIWE for baking tray transport and at the wbk Institute for Production Technology (Karlsruhe) for lithium-ion cell production.
• Online Konfigurator (Fleet Configurator) A web-based tool that guides customers through configuration steps to define application parameters (station types, fleet size, throughput, transport routes, operating hours, charging method) and generates a preliminary concept with budget pricing for HERBIE fleet deployments.
• 3D Material Flow Simulation Service A simulation service for high-performance multi-vehicle applications. Uses a computational model to test different scenarios and simulate operational disruptions, enabling binding statements on required system size and optimal vehicle count per system circuit before production begins.
• Plug & Play Deployment & Remote Expert Services Remote guidance and on-site expert services for deployment and reconfiguration of basic HERBIE system functionalities, enabling customers to install and reconfigure HERBIE independently for greater flexibility. Includes on-site commissioning for complex applications and large-scale deployments.
• HERBIE Evolution HERBIE Evolution is a major release of the HERBIE AGV platform featuring fleet expansion and enhanced capabilities for modern intralogistics, designed to help companies optimize material flows and set new standards in automation.

Quantifiable outcome

• Operating cost of EUR 0.4/km including electricity and maintenance vs EUR 7/km for manual transport by workers
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers18 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core, core and minor.

• Körber Supply Chain GmbHflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 April 2023Strategic partnership announced April 2023. Carrybots and Körber combine innovative robotics technology with Körber's extensive supply chain solutions expertise to enhance efficiency and flexibility in modern warehouse operations. The partnership focuses on demanding projects such as the Daimler Truck AG deployment in Halberstadt, where Körber's warehouse and logistics automation competencies complement Carrybots' AGV technology.
• Schubert Packaging Systems (Gerhard Schubert GmbH)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 May 2022Carrybots collaborated with Schubert Packaging Systems and TATA Consumer Products for its first large-scale industrial project (May 2022). Schubert Packaging Systems provided packaging expertise and integration capabilities for the 77-HERBIE deployment at TATA. The collaboration combines Carrybots' innovative robotics solutions with Schubert's packaging expertise and TATA's global market experience.
• Schubert Business GmbHflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021Schubert Business Development GmbH is one of two parent companies of Carrybots GmbH, formed through a joint venture with flexlog GmbH in March 2021. Above Schubert Business Development stands the Schubert Group, a global leader in packaging automation. Schubert Group is a strategic partner of Carrybots GmbH and incorporates HERBIE into its packaging system solutions. Additionally, Schubert GmbH (within the Schubert Group) is a customer using 2 HERBIE M vehicles in its own production facility since April 2022.
• flexlog GmbHflagship / coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2021flexlog GmbH is the second parent company of Carrybots GmbH, formed through a joint venture with Schubert Business GmbH in March 2021. flexlog GmbH initiated the HERBIE project and was responsible for all AGV developments until the spin-off of Carrybots GmbH. flexlog is a provider of control components for intralogistics and primarily supplies Carrybots GmbH with electronic components.
• SICK AGcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 July 2020Carrybots is one of the first AGV manufacturers to use the new ScanGrid 2 LiDAR sensor from SICK for safe navigation and environment detection. The ScanGrid 2 technology is a key safety component enabling HERBIE's reliable operation in shared human-robot environments.
• Gebhardt Fördertechnik GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationGebhardt Fördertechnik GmbH produces the hardware components for HERBIE. Gebhardt offers comprehensive product and service solutions for transport and assembly systems as well as storage, sorting, and distribution technology. Gebhardt also uses HERBIE M vehicles with roller conveyors for container management at an automatic small parts warehouse, demonstrating mutual adoption.
• SEHO Systems GmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSEHO integrates HERBIE directly into its turnkey automated production line solutions as a soldering equipment manufacturer. SEHO enables flexible, reliable machine-to-machine connectivity by incorporating HERBIE into its turnkey solutions, bringing greater flexibility to automated manufacturing lines.
• SelpakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIn partnership with Selpak, Carrybots bridges distances between different conveyor technology endpoints on routes where rigid conveyor systems present spatial obstacles or other disadvantages. Selpak serves as a channel for deploying HERBIE in conveyor technology integration scenarios.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Balyo: French vendor of autonomous forklifts and AGVs for warehouse and production logistics. Comparable in category (driverless transport vehicles) and similar in size and growth profile, with a European customer base that overlaps with Carrybots' target market.
• Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR): Denmark-based manufacturer of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for internal logistics in manufacturing and warehousing. Closest direct competitor to Carrybots, serving similar use cases (small-load transport, production-area linking, warehouse picking) with a comparable modular product philosophy and a stronger global footprint.
• Locus Robotics: Provider of AMR solutions for warehouse order fulfillment and e-commerce logistics. Adjacent in category (autonomous mobile robots) and competes for similar logistics automation budgets, although its primary focus is goods-to-person picking rather than small-load production transport.
• Fetch Robotics (Zebra Technologies): US-based AMR vendor (now part of Zebra Technologies) offering mobile robots for warehousing and manufacturing. Competes directly with Carrybots in light-load AMRs for picking, replenishment, and production-line delivery.
• Magazino GmbH: Munich-based developer of perception-driven AMRs for intralogistics, including the TORU and SOTO platforms for tote and box handling. Direct German regional peer operating in the same AGV/AMR category with overlapping customers in production and warehouse automation.
• OTTO Motors (by Rockwell Automation): North American AMR vendor for material handling in manufacturing and logistics facilities. Direct competitor in industrial mobile robots serving comparable enterprise use cases in production-area linking and intralogistics.
• Geek+: Chinese global leader in AMR and warehouse robotics with strong European expansion. Competes with Carrybots in picking, sorting, and material transport applications, typically at larger scale and with broader product breadth (goods-to-person, sorting robots, AMRs).

Broad incumbents

• Dematic: Global material handling and intralogistics integrator (KION Group) supplying automated warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing solutions. Broad incumbent that competes with Carrybots for intralogistics automation budgets in large enterprise accounts.
• KUKA AG: German global incumbent in industrial robotics and automation with a broad mobile robotics portfolio. Competes with Carrybots in industrial AGV/AMR applications as part of a much wider robotics and systems offering rather than a focused small-load transport niche.
• Swisslog (KUKA Group): Global warehouse automation and intralogistics integrator with both fixed automation (AutoStore, conveyors) and mobile robot offerings. Overlaps with Carrybots in intralogistics for warehousing and manufacturing customers, but operates at much larger scale and project scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/carrybots

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Carrybots Gmbh