1. Innovative Collaboration Between Veho and Rivr
Veho, a U.S.-based delivery platform, has joined hands with Switzerland’s robotics company Rivr to launch a pilot program in Austin, Texas. This collaboration focuses on solving the complex “last 100 yards” of delivery — the critical final steps from the delivery van to the customer’s doorstep. By combining logistics experience with cutting-edge robotics, the partnership aims to revolutionize the delivery process and test the limits of automation in real-world conditions.
2. Introducing the Dog-Like Delivery Robot
Rivr’s robot, often described as a “dog on roller skates,” is a four-wheeled, stair-climbing machine designed to handle challenging terrain. It mimics the agility and flexibility of a canine, navigating steps, uneven surfaces, and obstacles typically found in residential areas. This makes it especially effective for door-to-door deliveries in urban and suburban neighborhoods where traditional wheeled bots might struggle.
3. The Last-Mile Delivery Challenge
Most delivery automation solutions stop at the curb, leaving the final stretch — from street to doorstep — to human workers. Veho and Rivr are addressing this gap with robotic helpers that can autonomously complete doorstep deliveries. This innovation is particularly crucial in dense areas or buildings without elevators, where climbing stairs and navigating complex paths are essential for successful delivery.
4. Limited Pilot Testing in Austin
The initial phase of the pilot involves one robot operating under close human supervision in Northwest Austin. It will run for 5–6 hours daily over a few weeks. This small-scale rollout allows both companies to monitor robot performance, understand local delivery challenges, and collect feedback without disrupting existing logistics operations. The success of this test will inform wider deployment strategies.
5. Human Oversight and Safety Protocols
While the robot is capable of autonomous operation, a Rivr employee will accompany it during the pilot to ensure safety and troubleshoot any issues. The company has also built remote support into the system, allowing human operators to intervene if the bot encounters problems. This hybrid approach ensures both safety and learning as the tech adapts to real-world scenarios.
6. Collecting Data for AI Improvement
One of Rivr’s main goals is to use this pilot to gather real-world data that can improve its robotic AI systems. Unlike AI models trained on internet data (like chatbots) or extensive sensor fleets (like autonomous cars), robots often lack diverse training datasets. This field deployment allows Rivr to build a physical AI dataset that can refine its navigation, decision-making, and environmental awareness.
7. Veho’s Role and Vision in Delivery Innovation
Veho currently operates in over 50 U.S. markets and delivers for big brands like Sephora, Saks, and HelloFresh. With this robot integration, the company seeks to test how automation can ease driver workload and speed up deliveries. In the long run, both driver and robot could collaborate, delivering packages simultaneously across multiple addresses on a single street.
8. Scalability and Long-Term Strategy
If the pilot proves successful, Rivr plans to expand its robot fleet. The goal is to deploy 100 delivery robots by next year, with a larger target of several thousand bots by 2027. The expansion will be data-driven, using insights gained from the Austin trial to fine-tune both software and hardware for future rollouts across different markets and terrains.
9. Existing Presence in the UK and Global Aspirations
While the current focus is on the U.S., Rivr already has operations in the UK through a partnership with Evri, a major logistics provider. This shows the startup’s global ambitions and ability to adapt its technology across different regions. With successful trials and increased funding, Rivr aims to become a key player in the international autonomous delivery sector.
10. Strong Financial Backing and Industry Confidence
Rivr has already raised over $25 million in funding, including an investment round led by Jeff Bezos. This high-profile backing signals strong confidence in the company’s vision and capabilities. The current pilot program with Veho is a major step toward proving the commercial viability of last-mile delivery robots — a step that could reshape logistics as we know it.
