Amazon is making a significant push into the future of last-mile delivery with the acquisition of RIVR, a Swiss-based robotics company specializing in stair-climbing delivery robots. The deal, confirmed by both companies on Thursday, March 19, 2026, signals Amazon’s continued investment in automation and its ambition to streamline the most challenging and costly part of the e-commerce process: getting packages from the truck to the doorstep. The acquisition of RIVR, formerly known as Swiss-Mile, comes after Amazon previously invested in the company through its Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions in a $22.2 million seed round in 2024.
RIVR’s robots are designed to navigate complex urban environments, including stairs, a hurdle that has long stymied traditional delivery methods. The company’s technology utilizes what it calls “General Physical AI” to allow its four-wheeled, legged robots to autonomously deliver packages, aiming to reduce delivery times and costs while improving safety for delivery personnel. This move underscores the growing importance of robotics and artificial intelligence in the logistics sector, as companies grapple with rising consumer expectations for faster, more convenient delivery options.
Amazon’s Growing Robotics Footprint
The acquisition of RIVR isn’t Amazon’s first foray into robotics. The company has been steadily increasing its reliance on automation in its warehouses and fulfillment centers for years, employing thousands of robots to move goods and manage inventory. However, the last-mile delivery remains a particularly complex challenge. While drone delivery has been explored, regulatory hurdles and logistical limitations have slowed its widespread adoption. RIVR’s robots offer a potentially more practical solution for navigating the “last 100 yards” of the delivery process, as the company described it in a May 2025 press release announcing a partnership with parcel delivery platform Veho.
The robots have already been tested in a pilot program in Austin, Texas, in partnership with Veho, delivering e-commerce parcels. While it’s unclear if RIVR reached its goal of scaling to 100 bots by 2026, as its CEO Marko Bjelonic had hoped, the pilot program provided valuable data and insights into the feasibility of deploying these robots in real-world conditions. The acquisition by Amazon is expected to accelerate the deployment and scaling of RIVR’s technology.
A Vision for “General Physical AI”
Marko Bjelonic, co-founder and CEO of RIVR, expressed his excitement about the acquisition in a LinkedIn post on Thursday. “This step will accelerate our vision of building General Physical AI through doorstep delivery, bringing robotics and AI closer to real-world deployment at scale,” he wrote. Bjelonic added that he was “incredibly proud of what RIVR built” and optimistic about future collaborations within Amazon.
The concept of “General Physical AI” suggests a broader ambition than simply automating deliveries. RIVR’s technology could potentially be applied to a range of other tasks, such as security patrols, inspection of infrastructure, and even assisting with disaster relief efforts. Amazon’s acquisition suggests a belief in the long-term potential of this technology and a desire to be at the forefront of its development.
Addressing Last-Mile Challenges and Safety Concerns
The last-mile delivery is notoriously expensive, accounting for over 50% of total shipping costs, according to industry estimates. Factors contributing to these costs include fuel, labor, and the complexity of navigating urban environments. RIVR’s robots offer a potential solution by automating a significant portion of the delivery process, reducing reliance on human drivers and optimizing delivery routes.
However, the deployment of autonomous delivery robots too raises safety concerns. As one commenter on Bjelonic’s LinkedIn post noted, safeguards are needed to protect pedestrians, particularly children, who may encounter the robots on doorsteps. Amazon acknowledged these concerns in a statement to CNBC, stating that the acquisition “reflects our commitment to a continued investment in research” and efforts to improve safety for its delivery personnel. The company will likely need to address these concerns through rigorous testing and the implementation of robust safety protocols.
What’s Next for RIVR and Amazon
The immediate future for RIVR will involve integration into Amazon’s existing logistics network. It’s likely that Amazon will focus on scaling up the production and deployment of RIVR’s robots, expanding the pilot program in Austin and potentially launching similar programs in other cities. The company will also need to address regulatory hurdles and work with local authorities to ensure the safe and responsible operation of these robots.
Amazon has not disclosed the financial terms of the acquisition. However, PitchBook data indicates that RIVR was last valued at $100 million after raising a total of $25 million. The acquisition represents a strategic investment for Amazon, positioning the company to capitalize on the growing demand for last-mile delivery solutions and solidify its position as a leader in e-commerce logistics. The next step will be observing how Amazon integrates RIVR’s technology and expands its robotic delivery network in the coming months.
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