Startup helps retailers track their products in real-time

2026-06-05 · Source: MIT News - Robotics · Field: Technology & Digital — Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Internet of Things (IoT) & Connected Devices · Depth: Intermediate, medium

Summary

Cartesian, a startup founded in early 2023 by MIT associate professor Fadel Adib and Isaac Perper, provides a real-time indoor inventory tracking system for retailers. Leveraging MIT-invented technology, its platform uses wireless signals from radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. Machine-learning algorithms then pinpoint item locations within stores, covering stockrooms and shop floors. This system tackles the significant problem of inventory management, which consumes about 50% of retail working hours. This represents a \$15 billion annual issue in the U.S. Cartesian is deployed in over 700 stores across 15 countries, partnering with major fashion groups like Inditex. The technology integrates with existing handheld RFID readers and scales rapidly, adding a new store in approximately one minute. Beyond retail, Cartesian plans to expand its "spatial AI" platform to manufacturing, logistics, and robotics. It will also incorporate Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.

Key takeaway

For Retail Operations Managers struggling with inventory inefficiencies, Cartesian's proven RFID-based localization system offers a direct solution. You can significantly reduce the 50% of working hours currently spent on inventory management, translating into substantial annual savings. Consider integrating this scalable platform with your existing RFID infrastructure to gain real-time visibility into stock levels and item locations. This will optimize workflows, improve customer service, and free your associates for higher-value tasks.

Key insights

Wireless signals and machine learning enable precise indoor localization, significantly streamlining inventory management and reducing operational costs.

Principles

• Inventory management consumes 50% of retail labor.
• Wireless signals enable precise indoor localization.
• Spatial AI bridges digital intelligence to physical interaction.

Method

Cartesian's method involves processing data from existing handheld RFID readers with machine-learning algorithms to generate real-time maps of item locations. This cloud-based platform integrates with existing inventory apps.

In practice

• Integrate location intelligence into existing inventory apps.
• Build analytics on top of location data for insights.
• Leverage existing RFID hardware for rapid deployment.

Topics

• RFID Tracking
• Inventory Management
• Retail Technology
• Indoor Localization
• Spatial AI
• Supply Chain Optimization

Best for: Executive, Investor, AI Engineer, Entrepreneur, Operations Professional

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Editorial summary, takeaway, and curation by AIssential. Original article published by MIT News - Robotics.