Rivr's dog-like robots join Veho vans to solve ‘last-100-yards’ parcel delivery in Austin

Veho and Zurich-based robotics startup Rivr are collaborating on a pilot program in Austin to address the challenge of the final 100 yards in delivery automation. Rivr's stair-climbing delivery robot will transport packages from Veho's vans directly to customers' front doors. The pilot will initially involve one robot making supervised runs over a few weeks, with the aim of solving complex last-mile delivery issues that are simple for humans but difficult for robots. This partnership allows Rivr to test its technology and gather data to develop a general physical AI framework, while Veho explores automation from van to doorstep, potentially increasing delivery efficiency in urban areas.

The trial will begin in northwest Austin, with plans to expand to denser areas. A Rivr employee will accompany the robot to ensure safety, and remote operators can assist if needed. Rivr aims to scale to 100 robots by next year and thousands by 2027, leveraging insights from this partnership. The startup, which has raised over $25 million, including a round led by Jeff Bezos, is also operating in the U.K. through a partnership with delivery platform Evri.

Key takeaways

Veho and Rivr are launching a pilot program in Austin to test a stair-climbing delivery robot for the final 100 yards of delivery.
The pilot involves a single supervised robot making deliveries over a few weeks, aiming to solve challenges in last-mile delivery.
Rivr's partnership with Veho will help gather data to build a general physical AI framework for robotics.
Rivr plans to scale to 100 bots by next year and thousands by 2027, with current operations in the U.K. through a partnership with Evri.

Rivr's dog-like robots join Veho vans to solve ‘last-100-yards’ parcel delivery in Austin | TechCrunch

Key takeaways

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