Amazon Acquires Startup Behind Stair-Climbing Delivery Robot
Rivr, a Zurich-based startup recognized for its autonomous stair-climbing delivery robot, has been acquired by Amazon. This acquisition highlights Amazon’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its doorstep delivery capabilities, although the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.
Co-Founder Shares Acquisition Details
Marko Bjelonic, co-founder and CEO of Rivr, previously described the four-legged, wheeled robot as a “dog on roller skates.” He announced the acquisition via LinkedIn, benefiting from a platform that connects entrepreneurs and investors alike. The Information, a prominent tech news outlet, was among the first to report the acquisition.
Vision for General Physical AI
In his LinkedIn post, Bjelonic stated that the acquisition would “accelerate our vision of building General Physical AI through doorstep delivery.” This essentially means that with Amazon’s extensive resources, Rivr is poised to deploy its robots more widely and efficiently, bringing robotics and artificial intelligence into everyday use.
Partnership with Veho for Pilot Program
Last year, Rivr initiated a pilot program in Austin, collaborating with Veho, a package delivery service. Bjelonic had expressed optimism about learning from this partnership, setting an ambitious goal to scale the operation to 100 robots by 2026. As of now, it remains unclear if Rivr has made progress toward that target.
Investor Interest from Amazon Early On
Rivr attracted Amazon’s interest well before its pilot program. Both the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions participated in Rivr’s $22.2 million seed funding round, which was completed in 2024, according to Pitchbook data. In total, Rivr has secured $25 million in funding and was last valued at $100 million.
Looking Ahead in Robotics and Delivery
With Amazon’s acquisition, Rivr is positioned to expand its footprint in the rapidly growing field of robotics and autonomous delivery. The support from a major player like Amazon could provide the necessary momentum for Rivr to enhance its technology and reach new markets.
Future of Autonomous Delivery
The integration of Rivr’s technology into Amazon’s operations may set new standards for last-mile delivery solutions. As e-commerce continues to evolve, the prospects for robotics and AI in logistics appear promising, paving the way for more efficient and innovative delivery methods.