Amazon announced on March 20 2026 that it had completed the acquisition of RIVR, a Swiss robotics company that builds wheel‑legged, stair‑climbing delivery robots, for an undisclosed price. The deal was finalized on Thursday, March 19 2026, and Amazon confirmed the transaction through spokespersons after the RIVR CEO posted the news on LinkedIn.
RIVR’s robots combine wheels and legs to navigate stairs, gates, and uneven terrain, and can travel at speeds up to 15 kph (9.3 mph). The company began piloting its technology in Austin, Texas, with Veho in May 2025, demonstrating the ability to deliver packages in complex urban environments without human drivers.
Amazon’s strategy to build a “General Physical AI” platform for doorstep delivery is reinforced by this acquisition. By integrating RIVR’s autonomous navigation into its last‑mile network, Amazon aims to accelerate the deployment of autonomous delivery vehicles, reduce reliance on human drivers, and lower operating costs while improving delivery speed and safety for Delivery Service Partners and Delivery Associates.
Amazon’s recent financial performance underscores the strategic timing of the deal. In Q4 2025, the company reported revenue of $213.39 billion and an EPS of $1.95, missing the $1.98 consensus by $0.03. Earlier in the year, Q1 2025 revenue was $155.7 billion with an EPS of $1.59, and Q4 2024 revenue was $187.79 billion with an EPS of $1.86. The company’s Industrial Innovation Fund and Bezos Expeditions had invested $22.2 million in RIVR’s seed round in 2024, indicating a long‑term interest in the technology.
Marko Bjelonic, RIVR’s co‑founder and CEO, said, “This step will accelerate our vision of building general physical AI through doorstep delivery, bringing robotics and AI closer to real‑world deployment at scale.” He added, “I’m incredibly proud of what RIVR built, and even more excited about what we will accomplish next at Amazon.” An Amazon spokesperson noted, “For more than a decade, we’ve been inventing and experimenting with robotics and assistive technology across our operations. In many cases, these efforts have led to safer work environments, while simplifying operational processes and improving the customer experience. This acquisition reflects our commitment to a continued investment in research, which we believe has the potential to further improve safety outcomes and the overall delivery experience for Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) and their Delivery Associates (DAs).”
The acquisition positions Amazon against competitors that are also investing heavily in autonomous delivery solutions. RIVR’s wheel‑legged robots address a key challenge in last‑mile logistics—navigating stairs and curb cuts—allowing Amazon to expand its delivery footprint into areas previously inaccessible to human drivers. The move also signals Amazon’s intent to replace its discontinued Scout program with more advanced, scalable robotics, potentially reducing long‑term labor costs and enhancing delivery reliability in dense urban markets.
The content on EveryTicker is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.