Warp retrofits pallet jack with ROS 2 autonomy in 1–2 week sprint

Warp, a robotics firm, is launching a fast-paced autonomous vehicle retrofit project in Los Angeles. The goal is to convert a standard 24V electric walkie pallet truck into an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) in just 1–2 weeks. The autonomy software is already simulated; the integrator's job is pure hardware bring-up. Key tasks include bringing up an NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano running Ubuntu, ROS 2 Humble, Nav2, and slam_toolbox; implementing drive-by-wire by interfacing a Teensy microcontroller to the walkie's motor controller via throttle injection or CANopen; commanding traction and lift; and reading a wheel encoder for odometry. The integrator must also fabricate and mount a steering actuator on the tiller column—the primary mechanical challenge—and wire a manual e-stop that independently cuts traction power. After tele-operation testing, they will map a cordoned area and configure Nav2 for goal-to-goal navigation with obstacle stopping. Finally, the unit must integrate with Warp's existing control code via the VDA5050 standard for fleet task management. This is the first unit of a planned fleet, making an extension likely.

Candidates must have hands-on experience with ROS 2 and Nav2 (mapping, localization, planning), drive-by-wire on real vehicles or AMRs (motor controllers, CAN, throttle/steer actuation), and mechanical fabrication skills for brackets, actuator mounts, and 24V wiring. Familiarity with VDA5050 and ANSI B56.5 safety standards is a plus but not required. Warp provides the vehicle, all parts, the autonomy software, the build spec, and the workspace—the integrator brings their own tools and skills. The deliverable is a self-driving pallet truck that can navigate point-to-point in a people-free area and accept goals from Warp's system. The project underscores the growing trend of rapid retrofitting existing industrial equipment with modern autonomy stacks rather than building from scratch, reducing time-to-deployment for warehouse automation.