Zurich-based robotics startup Rivr and U.S. delivery company Veho are piloting a stair-climbing delivery robot in Austin to tackle the “final 100 yards” of last-mile delivery — from van to doorstep. Starting with one supervised robot making daily runs, the trial aims to address a complex logistical challenge that’s simple for humans but tough for robots.
Rivr’s CEO Marko Bjelonic sees this as a step beyond sidewalk delivery bots — a real-world use case that not only solves a practical problem but also helps build the data needed to develop smarter physical AI systems. For Veho, which serves major brands across 50 U.S. markets, this could enhance delivery efficiency and reduce driver workload in dense urban areas.