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The future of package delivery may soon have four legs. Amazon has acquired Rivr, a Swiss robotics startup specializing in legged robots designed to navigate complex terrain – including stairs – and deliver parcels directly to customers’ doors. The acquisition, announced by Rivr CEO Marko Bjelonic on LinkedIn, signals a significant step in Amazon’s ongoing efforts to automate and optimize its “last mile” delivery network.
This isn’t simply about faster delivery; it’s about tackling one of the most persistent challenges in e-commerce: the cost and complexity of getting packages from the delivery van to the doorstep. Rivr’s robots, often described as resembling robotic dogs, are engineered to overcome obstacles that stymie traditional delivery methods. They represent a form of “physical AI,” capable of independent navigation and problem-solving in real-world environments. The company, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zürich), has been developing this technology for several years, focusing on creating a reliable and efficient solution for urban and suburban deliveries.
According to Rivr’s website, the robots can travel at speeds up to 15 kilometers per hour (approximately 9.3 miles per hour) and have a cargo capacity of 40 liters. This makes them suitable for delivering a wide range of items, from groceries to small parcels. The key innovation lies in their ability to negotiate uneven sidewalks, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles – capabilities that are crucial for reaching customers in areas with limited accessibility. “This allows packages and groceries to be delivered efficiently without the need for direct human-to-human handover,” Rivr states on its website.
Expanding Amazon’s Delivery Ecosystem
The acquisition of Rivr is the latest move in Amazon’s long-term strategy to revolutionize package delivery. The company has been experimenting with various technologies for over a decade, most notably with its Prime Air drone delivery program, launched around 2015. While drone delivery faces ongoing regulatory hurdles and logistical challenges, the addition of legged robots offers a complementary solution for areas where drones are impractical or prohibited.
Amazon’s interest in Rivr extends beyond simply automating deliveries. A spokesperson for Amazon told The Information, “We believe it has the potential to improve safety outcomes and the overall delivery experience for delivery service partners and their drivers.” This suggests that Amazon sees the robots as a way to enhance safety for delivery personnel, reduce delivery times, and potentially lower costs. The robots could also address the growing demand for contactless delivery options, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The “Last Mile” Problem and the Rise of Robotics
The “last mile” – the final leg of the delivery journey – is notoriously the most expensive and inefficient part of the supply chain. It accounts for over 50% of total shipping costs, according to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company. Rising fuel prices, labor shortages, and increasing customer expectations for faster delivery are all contributing to the challenges. Robotics and automation are increasingly seen as key solutions to address these issues.
Rivr isn’t the only company developing legged robots for delivery. Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot has been tested for delivery applications, and other startups are also exploring similar technologies. However, Rivr’s focus on specifically designing robots for package delivery, and its ability to navigate stairs, gives it a competitive edge. The ETH Zürich pedigree also lends credibility to the technology, as the university is a leading center for robotics research.
Faster Deliveries Already Underway in the US
Amazon is already pushing the boundaries of delivery speed in the United States. The company has recently introduced new express shipping options, promising delivery within hours – and in some cases, within one hour – of ordering. Whether these ultra-fast delivery services will be rolled out to other countries, including Germany, remains unclear.
The integration of Rivr’s robots into Amazon’s delivery network is likely to be a gradual process. The company will need to address regulatory hurdles, conduct extensive testing, and ensure the robots can operate safely and reliably in a variety of environments. However, the acquisition represents a significant investment in the future of delivery, and it could pave the way for a new era of automated, efficient, and convenient package delivery.
Amazon has not yet announced a specific timeline for the deployment of Rivr’s robots. The company is expected to begin pilot programs in select markets in the coming months, with a wider rollout planned for 2027, pending regulatory approvals and successful testing. Customers can expect to hear more about Amazon’s plans for legged robot delivery in the coming year.
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