In a move to strengthen its logistics automation strategy, Amazon has acquired Rivr, a Zurich-based company known for building autonomous delivery robots. The financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.
Rivr has developed robots designed to handle complex delivery environments. Its hybrid design combines wheels with leg-like movement, allowing the robots to climb stairs and navigate obstacles such as curbs and uneven surfaces. This makes them highly suitable for urban areas and apartment buildings, where last-mile delivery remains labor-intensive.
The startup had earlier conducted pilot programs, including a collaboration in Austin with a delivery company, to test its robots in real-world conditions. It also received early backing from Amazon’s Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions, showing the company’s prior interest before the acquisition.
Rivr’s CEO said the deal will help accelerate the vision of building “general physical Al” through real-world delivery use cases. The CEO highlighted that Amazon’s scale and resources could speed up deployment and commercialization of the technology.
The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s broader automation plans. While the company has already automated much of its warehouse operations, doorstep delivery, especially in multi-story buildings, remains one of the most complex and costly stages. The use of stair-climbing robots could improve efficiency, reduce delivery time, and lower operational costs across millions of deliveries.
This development also reflects a larger industry shift toward combining robotics and AI to solve real-world logistics challenges. As e-commerce demand continues to grow, companies are investing in physical AI systems that can operate independently in dynamic environments.
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