Rivr Robots Revolutionize Last 100 Yards Delivery with Veho in Austin

Most delivery automation stops at the curb, but the final stretch from van to doorstep remains a tough nut to crack. Enter Rivr, a Zurich-based robotics startup, and Veho, a U.S. delivery service, who are teaming up to pilot a novel solution in Austin. Rivr’s four-wheeled, stair-climbing delivery robot—described by CEO Marko Bjelonic as “a dog on roller skates”—is designed to bridge this last 100 yards gap by ferrying packages directly from Veho’s vans to customers’ front doors.

The pilot is deliberately small-scale, with one robot operating under supervision for several hours daily over a few weeks in Austin. This cautious approach allows both companies to collect valuable real-world data and refine the technology. Bjelonic emphasizes that while humans find door-to-door delivery straightforward, it poses significant challenges for robots. Rivr aims to be the next evolutionary step beyond traditional sidewalk robots by tackling these complex tasks.

One of the biggest hurdles in robotics is the lack of comprehensive datasets. Unlike AI chatbots trained on vast internet data or autonomous cars gathering sensor data from thousands of vehicles, delivery robots need meaningful use cases to generate actionable data. This partnership provides exactly that, enabling Rivr to build a general physical AI framework that can make robots smarter and more autonomous over time.

For Veho, which operates in 50 U.S. markets and serves brands like Sephora and HelloFresh, integrating Rivr’s robots could revolutionize delivery efficiency. Robots can handle the physically demanding task of walking door to door, allowing drivers to focus on navigating and managing multiple deliveries simultaneously, especially in dense urban neighborhoods.

During the Austin pilot, a Rivr employee will accompany the robot to ensure safety and quality, with remote operators ready to assist if the robot encounters obstacles. The trial will begin in residential Northwest Austin before expanding to busier areas. Looking ahead, Veho envisions pairing these robots with vehicles equipped with charging stations to keep them operational throughout the day.

Rivr’s ambitions are bold: scaling from one pilot robot to 100 by next year and thousands by 2027. Currently active in the U.K. through a partnership with Evri, Rivr has attracted over $25 million in funding, including a $100 million valuation round led by Jeff Bezos. This collaboration with Veho marks a critical step toward transforming last-mile delivery with intelligent robotics.

Why the Last 100 Yards Matter

The final leg of delivery—getting packages from the curb to the customer’s door—is notoriously complex. It involves navigating stairs, doorways, uneven terrain, and unpredictable obstacles. While autonomous vehicles and sidewalk robots have made strides, this “last 100 yards” has remained a bottleneck. Rivr’s robot helpers address this gap, combining mobility and agility to handle stairs and tight spaces, effectively acting as robotic couriers.

This innovation not only improves delivery speed and reliability but also reduces physical strain on human drivers, potentially decreasing injury rates and increasing job satisfaction. It’s a glimpse into a future where humans and robots collaborate seamlessly to meet growing e-commerce demands.

Building Smarter Robots Through Data

Data is the lifeblood of AI and robotics. Rivr’s partnership with Veho is crucial for collecting the diverse, real-world data needed to train robots to handle complex delivery environments autonomously. Unlike other AI fields with abundant datasets, robotics must generate its own through practical deployments. This pilot is a foundational step toward creating a general physical AI framework that can adapt to various delivery scenarios.

As robots learn from each delivery, they become more efficient, reliable, and capable of handling unexpected challenges. This continuous improvement cycle is essential for scaling autonomous delivery solutions across cities and countries.

The Road Ahead for Autonomous Delivery

The Austin pilot is just the beginning. If successful, Rivr and Veho’s model could redefine last-mile logistics, making deliveries faster, safer, and more scalable. The vision includes fleets of robots working alongside human drivers, charging stations integrated with delivery vans, and expanded operations in dense urban environments.

This collaboration exemplifies how robotics startups and delivery services can join forces to solve complex logistical challenges. It’s a promising glimpse into a future where technology and human effort combine to meet the demands of modern commerce.