Amazon has acquired Rivr – a Zurich-based startup focused on delivery robots that can climb stairs and reach customers’ doorsteps. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The acquisition was confirmed by Rivr co-founder and CEO Marko Bjelonic in a LinkedIn post. He said the move will “accelerate our vision of building General Physical AI through doorstep delivery, bringing robotics and AI closer to real-world deployment at scale.” In practical terms, Rivr is now looking to use Amazon’s resources to roll out its technology much faster.
Rivr develops autonomous delivery robots that combine wheels and legs, allowing them to handle obstacles like stairs and uneven terrain. Bjelonic has previously described the design as a “dog on roller skates,” highlighting its mobility and ability to navigate complex urban environments.
The company has already tested its technology in the field. In 2025, it launched a pilot program in Austin in partnership with logistics company Veho. The goal was to gather real-world data and scale its fleet – targeting up to 100 robots by 2026, although it’s unclear whether that milestone was reached.
Amazon had been circling Rivr before the acquisition. Its Industrial Innovation Fund, along with Bezos Expeditions, invested in the startup’s $22.2 million seed round in 2024. In total, Rivr raised around $25 million, reaching a valuation of roughly $100 million.
For Amazon, this is another move aimed at automating delivery. The last mile – getting a package right to someone’s door – is still one of the hardest and most expensive parts of logistics. Robots like the ones Rivr is building are meant to tackle exactly that.