Cota provides AI‑powered robotic workers to brick‑and‑mortar retailers and fulfillment centers through a Robot‑as‑a‑Service model. Its autonomous mobile robots integrate with existing store layouts and systems, offering plug‑and‑play inventory transport, shelf stocking, and order picking with continuous 24/7 operation, while the subscription service eliminates upfront capital and staffing costs.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Retailers face ongoing labor shortages, high recruitment and training costs, and limited flexibility to scale their workforce for tasks such as inventory handling, shelf stocking, and order fulfillment. Traditional automation solutions often require extensive infrastructure changes and large upfront capital, making rapid deployment risky and costly.
Solution
Cota provides AI‑powered robotic workers through a Robot‑as‑a‑Service (RaaS) model, allowing retailers to add or remove automation capacity on demand. The robots are designed to operate alongside existing store layouts, shelving, and workflow systems without requiring structural modifications. By delivering the hardware, software, and ongoing support as a subscription service, Cota eliminates the need for retailers to recruit, train, or manage a dedicated robotics team. The service enables continuous, 24/7 operation, helping retailers maintain inventory accuracy, improve shelf availability, and reduce labor expenses while scaling operations quickly to meet seasonal demand.
Target Audience
Primary customers are brick‑and‑mortar retailers and fulfillment centers that need flexible, low‑risk automation for inventory handling, shelf stocking, and order fulfillment.
Features
- Autonomous mobile robots equipped with AI vision and navigation to perform inventory transport, shelf stocking, and order picking
- Plug‑and‑play integration with current store infrastructure and POS/warehouse management systems
- Cloud‑based fleet management platform that monitors robot performance, schedules tasks, and provides real‑time analytics
- RaaS subscription model covering hardware, software updates, maintenance, and support, removing upfront capital outlay
- Scalable deployment that allows retailers to add or reduce robot units on short notice to match demand fluctuations
- Continuous operation capability, enabling tasks to be performed outside of regular store hours