Amazon acquires startup Rivr to test robots for 'doorstep delivery'

Amazon has officially acquired Rivr, a Swiss robotics firm specializing in technologies aimed at enhancing doorstep delivery, as confirmed in a statement released on Thursday. While the financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed, the tech giant made the announcement through a communication directed at its network of third-party delivery contractors. In the notice, Amazon expressed its enthusiasm about the acquisition, stating, "We want to share that we've recently acquired Rivr, a company focused on technology that can help with doorstep delivery." The company believes that integrating Rivr's technology with its delivery associates could significantly enhance safety and improve the overall customer experience, particularly during the final stages of package delivery. An Amazon spokesperson emphasized that this acquisition is part of their broader strategy to invest in research and bolster safety measures for their delivery personnel. The deal was first reported by The Information. Amazon heavily relies on a multitude of third-party contractors who manage the crucial 'last mile' of deliveries, transitioning packages from Amazon's warehouses directly to customers' homes. For over a decade, Amazon has been dedicated to automating various facets of its warehouse operations. This initiative took a significant leap when it established Amazon Robotics after acquiring Kiva Systems, a warehouse robotics manufacturer, for $775 million in 2012. Last year, Amazon reported that it had integrated over 1 million robots into its operational framework. In its notice to delivery service partners, Amazon detailed how Rivr's technology, featuring a four-legged, wheeled robot, will be utilized to explore potential integrations into their delivery processes. This includes assisting delivery associates in transporting packages from vehicles to customer doorsteps. Amazon reassured partners that this is just the beginning of their journey, promising to involve them in field tests and to gather valuable feedback to refine the technology as it scales. Previously, Amazon had invested in Rivr through its $1 billion Industrial Innovation Fund, which was initiated in 2022 to support advancements in warehouse and logistics technology. Additionally, Jeff Bezos's venture capital firm, Bezos Expeditions, participated in Rivr's $22 million seed funding round last March. Notably, Rivr was formerly known as Swiss-Mile. Recent reports suggest Bezos is also exploring the potential of raising $100 billion for a fund aimed at acquiring manufacturing companies in key sectors, utilizing AI to accelerate automation processes.