E-commerce giant Amazon expands its robotics portfolio by acquiring Rivr, known for innovative delivery robots that navigate stairs.
Amazon has acquired Rivr, a Zurich-based autonomous robotics startup focused on developing stair-climbing delivery robots. The acquisition was confirmed by Rivr's co-founder and CEO Marko Bjelonic in a LinkedIn post, signaling Amazon's continued interest in enhancing its delivery operations.
Rivr is known for its innovative four-legged wheeled robot, which Bjelonic described as a 'dog on roller skates' in a previous interview with TechCrunch. This technology aims to improve last-mile delivery by allowing robots to handle stairs and uneven surfaces, potentially increasing efficiency in urban environments.
Background on Rivr's Development
The startup had previously launched a pilot program in Austin with package delivery company Veho, aiming to deploy robots for real-world testing. Bjelonic stated that the program was intended to scale to 100 bots by 2026, though specific outcomes remain unclear from available reports.Amazon's involvement with Rivr dates back to 2024, when the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions participated in a $22.2 million seed round. This investment valued Rivr at $100 million, highlighting the e-commerce giant's early interest in the company's robotics expertise.
In his LinkedIn announcement, Bjelonic explained that the acquisition will accelerate Rivr's vision of building General Physical AI for doorstep delivery, enabling faster deployment of robots at scale. This move aligns with Amazon's broader efforts to integrate AI and robotics into its logistics network.
Rivr had raised a total of $25 million in funding prior to the acquisition, underscoring its growth in the competitive robotics sector. The deal's terms were not disclosed, as reported by The Information.
TechCrunch, the original source of this news, noted that Rivr's technology could bring robotics closer to widespread use, potentially transforming delivery services.
More Coverage
- Grayscale Files for Spot Hyperliquid ETF, Joins Bitwise and 21Shares
- NASA's X-59 Supersonic Aircraft Completes Second Test Flight Despite Technical Issue
- Italian Company Officina Stellare Wins $2 Million Contract for Spanish Lasercom Ground Station
- Microsoft VP Reaffirms Commitment to Windows 11 Quality in Latest Statement
