Amazon has acquired the robotics startup RIVR ONE, a delivery robot, as part of its efforts to optimize delivery efficiency. A spokesperson for Amazon confirmed the acquisition of the autonomous robotics startup Rivr, a move expected to help the e-commerce and logistics giant deliver packages to consumers' doorsteps more efficiently.
According to information from the financial data platform PitchBook, Rivr is headquartered in Zurich and was formerly known as Swiss-Mile. The company reached a valuation of $110 million in a funding round in August 2024. Participants in that round included Amazon, the Bezos Expeditions Fund led by Jeff Bezos, and the former Sequoia China, now HSG Ventures.
The robot developed by the company combines legs and wheels, allowing it to navigate flexibly on streets and staircases. Last year, the food delivery platform Just Eat Takeaway.com and the logistics startup Veho both announced pilot programs using Rivr robots to deliver packages and meals. Items are stored within the robot's torso and can be automatically ejected upon arrival at the user's doorstep.
Human drivers can place delivery robots inside cars or vans, with the robots handling a portion of the package deliveries. This enables drivers to deliver more goods in a single trip. After a driver completes one delivery, the Rivr robot can transport other packages from the vehicle to different nearby locations. The company has developed its own AI model and trains the robots using proprietary data collection.
Amazon informed its independent delivery service partners, who handle last-mile deliveries for the company, about the acquisition earlier this week. In a notice to partners, Amazon stated that the acquisition would be used to test integration solutions for robotics technology within its delivery operations.
An Amazon spokesperson stated, "This acquisition demonstrates our continued commitment to research and development. We believe this initiative has the potential to further enhance safety and improve the overall delivery experience for our delivery partners and their drivers."
Amazon had previously invested in Rivr through its $1 billion Industrial Innovation Fund. This fund has also invested in several other robotics startups in the logistics sector, including humanoid robot manufacturer Agility Robotics and robotics AI model developer Physical Intelligence.
Applying robots to last-mile delivery represents a further extension of the automation of Amazon's logistics network. It is also a key measure the company has taken in recent years to reduce overall delivery costs and optimize the efficiency of getting goods to customers.
Currently, Amazon has deployed over one million robots within its warehouses for tasks such as moving, sorting, and packing goods. In 2012, Amazon acquired robot manufacturer Kiva Systems for $775 million and subsequently established its Amazon Robotics division.
However, significant human involvement is still required for delivery after packages leave the warehouse. According to a report from last June, Amazon has been developing delivery software compatible with humanoid robots and has built obstacle testing grounds. Initial plans involved using robots produced by the Chinese company Unitree Robotics for testing.
Amazon has clearly identified robotics technology as one of its key investment areas for 2026. The company's planned capital expenditure for 2026 reaches $200 billion. Beyond large-scale investments in AI infrastructure, robotics technology is also a core strategic focus.
Nevertheless, fully replacing delivery drivers would still rely on autonomous delivery vehicles. For years, Amazon has been developing autonomous vehicles through its subsidiary Zoox. However, these vehicles are positioned as "purpose-built robotaxis," not for package delivery.
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