Overview
- Amazon confirmed the purchase this week and did not disclose terms, informing third-party delivery contractors of the deal in a notice.
- The company plans research and field tests to assess how the machines could assist delivery associates in the final stretch from vehicle to doorstep, with a stated focus on safety.
- Rivr develops a four-legged robot on wheels capable of climbing stairs, designed for the handoff from delivery vehicle to a customer’s home.
- Amazon had previously backed Rivr through its Industrial Innovation Fund, and Bezos Expeditions participated in the startup’s 2024 seed round; Rivr was formerly known as Swiss-Mile.
- The Information first reported the acquisition, which fits into Amazon’s broader automation push that includes more than 1 million robots deployed and the earlier Kiva Systems buy that formed Amazon Robotics.