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Apr 22, 2026
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Amazon Acquires RIVR to Master Complex Stair-Climbing Autonomous Doorstep Delivery
NewDecoded
3 min read
Image by RIVR
Amazon is set to revolutionize its shipping network after acquiring RIVR Technologies AG, a Zurich-based startup specializing in General Physical AI. CEO Marko Bjelonic confirmed the deal on LinkedIn, stating that this step will accelerate the vision of bringing robotics closer to real-world deployment at scale. The acquisition marks a significant pivot for Amazon as it seeks to automate the complex final segment of the delivery process. RIVR has gained international attention for its unique form factor, which combines the speed of wheels with the terrain-clearing capabilities of legs. Unlike previous delivery robots that struggled with basic obstacles, RIVR's systems can navigate stairs, curbs, and tight entryways. This capability addresses the last 100 yards challenge that has long hindered full automation in dense urban logistics.
The company recently unveiled RIVR TWO, a custom-built robot featuring a proprietary top-load and bottom-release mechanism. This allows the machine to sit down at a doorstep and deposit a parcel autonomously, requiring no human interaction to complete a delivery. With a payload capacity of 30 kilograms and a range of 30 kilometers, the hardware is designed to match standard delivery shift patterns seamlessly.
Originally founded as Swiss-Mile at ETH Zurich, RIVR rebranded in early 2025 to reflect its mission of scaling Physical AI. The startup had previously secured $25 million in funding from high-profile investors, including the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Jeff Bezos. The transition into Amazon follows successful pilot programs with logistics partners like Veho and Just Eat Takeaway. The acquisition aligns with Amazon's broader strategy to enhance its delivery service partners through automation. By utilizing RIVR's data-driven reinforcement learning, Amazon aims to deploy robots that can assist human drivers in high-density environments. This integration is expected to reduce physical fatigue for workers while increasing the overall throughput of the logistics giant's global operations.
The acquisition of RIVR represents a tactical course correction for Amazon following the 2022 shutdown of its Scout sidewalk robot program. While the six-wheeled Scout failed to navigate the unstructured environments of modern cities, RIVR's wheeled-legged approach provides the agility necessary for multi-story deliveries and complex curbsides. This move signals a wider industry shift where embodied AI is no longer just a research project but a viable solution for the most expensive segment of the supply chain. By absorbing RIVR's full-stack technology, Amazon is positioning itself to dominate the next generation of logistics through robots that can finally reach the customer's front door.
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