Amazon acquires Rivr, maker of a stair-climbing delivery robot

Rivr, a Zurich-Based Robotics Startup, Acquired by Amazon

Rivr, an autonomous robotics startup based in Zurich, has recently been acquired by Amazon in a move that showcases the e-commerce giant’s interest in doorstep delivery services. While the specific terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed, this development marks a significant step for both companies.

The co-founder and CEO of Rivr, Marko Bjelonic, announced the acquisition on LinkedIn. Bjelonic, who previously likened Rivr’s stair-climbing delivery robot to a “dog on roller skates,” expressed excitement about the potential for growth and innovation that the partnership with Amazon will bring.

According to Bjelonic, the acquisition will help accelerate Rivr’s vision of creating General Physical AI through doorstep delivery, paving the way for robotics and AI to be deployed on a larger scale. This strategic move is expected to leverage Amazon’s resources to expand Rivr’s reach and impact in the robotics industry.

Rivr’s Journey Towards Innovation

Rivr made headlines last year when it launched a pilot program in Austin in collaboration with Veho, a package delivery company. The goal of the partnership was to learn from the experience and eventually scale up to 100 robots by 2026. While the outcome of this initiative remains unclear, Rivr’s commitment to innovation and growth is evident.

Despite its recent success, Rivr’s relationship with Amazon dates back to earlier investments made by the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions. These investments were part of a $22.2 million seed round in 2024, which valued Rivr at $100 million. With a total funding of $25 million, Rivr has positioned itself as a key player in the robotics industry.

Looking Towards the Future

As Rivr embarks on this new chapter with Amazon, the possibilities for collaboration and innovation are endless. By joining forces with a tech giant like Amazon, Rivr is poised to revolutionize the way robotics and AI are utilized in doorstep delivery services. The acquisition marks a significant milestone for both companies and sets the stage for future advancements in the field of autonomous robotics.