Amazon is taking a significant step toward solving the “doorstep challenge” by acquiring Rivr, a Zurich-based robotics startup specialized in autonomous delivery. While the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed, the move signals Amazon’s commitment to integrating advanced robotics into its massive delivery network.
The “Dog on Roller Skates” Joins the Fleet
Rivr gained industry attention for its unique approach to locomotion. Described by co-founder and CEO Marko Bjelonic as a “dog on roller skates,” the company’s flagship robot features a four-legged design equipped with wheels. This hybrid system allows the machine to navigate flat pavements with high efficiency while maintaining the ability to climb stairs—a historical pain point for traditional wheeled delivery bots.
The acquisition was first reported by The Information and later confirmed by Bjelonic via LinkedIn. According to Bjelonic, joining forces with Amazon will accelerate the development of General Physical AI, bringing sophisticated robotics out of the lab and onto real-world doorsteps at scale.
A History of Strategic Investment
Amazon’s interest in Rivr is not a sudden development. The e-commerce giant had already established a stake in the startup through the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund. Alongside Bezos Expeditions, these entities participated in a $22.2 million seed round in 2024.
Before the acquisition, Rivr had raised approximately $25 million in total funding and reached an estimated valuation of $100 million.
Scaling Doorstep Delivery
Rivr’s technology has already seen field testing. Last year, the startup launched a pilot program in Austin, Texas, in partnership with the package delivery firm Veho. The goal of that partnership was to refine the robot’s interaction with complex urban environments.
Key Milestones for Rivr:
- Zurich Roots: Developed as a spin-off from ETH Zurich’s world-renowned robotics labs.
- Austin Pilot: Real-world testing with Veho to prove the viability of autonomous doorstep drops.
- Scaling Goals: Prior to the acquisition, the company aimed to deploy 100 robots by 2026.
By absorbing Rivr’s talent and intellectual property, Amazon aims to bridge the gap between the delivery van and the customer’s front door, potentially automating the most expensive and complex leg of the shipping journey.
