Parcel delivery service provider Veho, in collaboration with Swiss robotics firm RIVR, has initiated a trial involving AI-driven robots for e-commerce deliveries.
The trial, which began in the city of Austin, Texas, may extend to more cities in the second half of 2025 based on the outcomes of this initial phase.
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RIVR’s robots are equipped with general physical AI, enabling them to complete the final stretch of delivery from the delivery vehicle to the doorstep.
They can navigate complex terrains including stairs and uneven paths, setting them apart from other delivery bots that only reach the kerb, or drones that face challenges in crowded urban settings.
RIVR CEO Marko Bjelonic stated: “With the exponential rise in e-commerce, the last mile has become the most critical — and complex — link in the logistics chain. Our partnership with Veho is a major milestone on the journey to scale urban robotics where it’s needed most.”
The robots will perform simultaneous deliveries alongside human drivers and their introduction is intended to augment drivers’ capacity to deliver more packages at a quicker rate while reducing physical exertion, rather than replacing humans.
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By GlobalDataEach robot can navigate directly to customers’ doorsteps and place parcels as instructed. Customers will receive photo confirmation of each delivery through the Veho app.
To ensure safety and high-quality delivery service during the trial, each robot will be accompanied by a RIVR employee.
Veho and RIVR personnel will closely monitor the robots’ performance in real-world delivery scenarios.
Veho co-founder and CEO Itamar Zur stated: “This partnership is an exciting next step in reinventing e-commerce delivery and enabling brands to turn shipping from a cost centre to a value driver.
“When it comes to delivery, customers care most about its reliability, speed and cost. This partnership will help us learn if a robot working with a human can help reduce delivery costs while improving on-time-delivery and speed, all while maintaining a great delivery and brand experience.”
This partnership marks the entry of RIVR in the US market.
Veho’s network spans 50 metropolitan areas in the US, having recently expanded into New York City.
The company operates more than 30 distribution centres nationwide and operates an app-based platform utilised by 84,000 independent driver-partners.
