Amazon Secures Rivr for Stair-Climbing Bots

Deal Closes Quietly

Amazon completed its acquisition of Zurich-based Rivr Technologies on March 23, 2026, gaining control of the startup's innovative four-legged delivery robots capable of climbing stairs and carrying up to 60 kilograms. Rivr CEO Marko Bjelonic confirmed the move in a LinkedIn post on March 24, stating it would speed up development of General Physical AI for doorstep deliveries. The e-commerce giant notified third-party delivery contractors about the purchase via an internal notice sent March 25, signaling immediate plans to test the bots alongside human drivers without public fanfare.

Robots Tackle Urban Challenges

Rivr's wheeled-leg robots, resembling dogs on roller skates, use AI-driven sensors, cameras, and actuators to navigate autonomously in pedestrian zones and handle the final delivery leg from vehicles to doorsteps. A Controls Drives Automation report on March 23 highlighted how the technology relies on edge computing for independent operation, fitting seamlessly into Amazon's existing logistics software for route coordination and tracking. This builds on Rivr's expertise from its origins as a 2023 spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, now fully integrated into Amazon's automation ecosystem.

Boosts Last-Mile Efficiency

Industry observers note the acquisition enhances Amazon's push into last-mile logistics, where human labor still dominates despite over a million warehouse robots already deployed. Amazon positions the bots to assist delivery associates by transporting packages to doorsteps, aiming to improve safety and cut physical strain on workers during early integration tests launched March 26. Bjelonic emphasized on March 24 that Amazon's scale would propel Rivr's physical AI toward widespread real-world use, potentially positioning Switzerland as a stronger robotics hub amid growing investor interest.

Tests Drive Future Rollout

Amazon entered early-stage testing of Rivr robots with contractors on March 27, focusing on urban environments to refine integration before broader deployment. Executives anticipate the technology will complement drone efforts like Prime Air, with field trials expected to expand in coming months. As Rivr's team joins Amazon on March 28, the focus shifts to scaling production and software updates, promising faster, safer deliveries across Amazon's global network.