Rivr’s Dog-Like Robots Join Veho Vans for Last-Mile Delivery in Austin
Veho, a delivery service, is partnering with Rivr, a robotics startup based in Zurich, to tackle the challenges of last-mile delivery. The pilot program, launching in Austin, Texas, will deploy Rivr’s four-wheeled, stair-climbing robots to deliver packages from Veho vans directly to customers’ doorsteps.
Marko Bjelonic, CEO and founder of Rivr, describes the robot as resembling “a dog on roller skates.” The initial phase involves a single, supervised robot operating for five to six hours daily over a few weeks. Both companies view this as a crucial step toward automating the final segment of the delivery process.
Rivr aims to solve complex problems in last-mile delivery that are simple for humans but challenging for robots. The partnership allows Rivr to test its technology and gather data to develop a general physical AI framework. Bjelonic highlights the data barrier in robotics, noting the need for real-world use cases to train robots effectively.
Veho, which operates in 50 U.S. markets with clients like Sephora and HelloFresh, sees this collaboration as an opportunity to explore automation from the delivery van to the customer’s door. This could lead to more efficient deliveries, especially in urban areas where drivers and robots can work together. Rivr’s robots can also alleviate the physical strain on drivers by handling door-to-door deliveries.
During the Austin trial, a Rivr employee will accompany the robot to ensure safety and quality. While the bots can operate autonomously, remote operators can assist if needed. Fred Cook, Veho’s co-founder and CTO, envisions expanding the pilot from residential areas in Northwest Austin to denser parts of the city. Future plans include integrating charging stations for the robots to support full-day operations.
Rivr plans to scale its operations to 100 bots by next year and thousands by 2027. The company is already active in the U.K. through a partnership with Evri. Rivr has secured over $25 million in funding, including investments from a round led by Jeff Bezos, valuing the company at $100 million.
This initiative represents a significant step toward automating the last-mile delivery process, potentially transforming how packages reach customers in urban environments. The collaboration between Veho and Rivr could set a new standard for delivery efficiency and driver support.
