The RIVR robots that resemble dogs join the Veho Vans to solve the “last 100 yard” delivery of parcels in Austin

Most delivery automation stops at the limit. But to car The Zurich-based RIVR is located to RIVR, and the real challenge-the opportunity-at that percent of the final from Van to Doorstep.

On a pilot program launched on Tuesday in Austin, the four -wheel and stairs RIVR describes, which is described by CEO and founder Marco Pelionic as “a dog on skiing on roller skis”, and they transfer packages from Vearo trucks directly to the front doors of customers.

They told Techcrunch exclusively. One robot will work significantly daily, making five to six hours extending over two weeks throughout Austin. But the two companies see it as an important step towards solving a unique segment of the independent to one side.

“The robots have an effect by solving these very difficult problems that are actually very easy for humans but they are difficult for robots. We see (Rivr) as a discrimination, as an evolutionary step almost the next of the berth robots,” says Bjelonic in the delivery of the last mile.

Partnership with Veho also provides RIVR an opportunity to test technology and accumulate data needed to build an actual general framework of artificial intelligence.

“What we have seen in the automatic space is that there is a data barrier, because ChatGPT and other chats have the Internet as training data, and independent cars have thousands of cars on the street that can attach sensors and start data collection,” said Bjelonic Techcrunch. “But in the world of robots, this type of data collection is missing, so you need to find a meaningful use where you can solve a real problem, and then you can start collecting all the data to make these robots smarter.”

For Veho, which is offered through 50 American brand markets such as Sephora, Saks and hellofresh and more, this partnership is an opportunity to test what automation looks from the truck to the customer’s door. This can ultimately allow more delivery processes simultaneously, especially in dense urban areas where the driver and robot can put a mark on a specific street at the same time. Bjelonic says that “robot assistants” from Rivr can also “reduce the burden of working on these drivers” by taking the physical walking task of walking from door to door.

During the Austin experience, the RIVR employee will accompany the robot to ensure safety and delivery quality. Tell Bjelonic Techcrunch that robots can work independently, but those who are remotely operate will be able to benefit if they stumble.

Austin’s pilot will start in the residential area in the northwest of Austin before expanding the dense areas of the city, according to Farid Cook, co -founder of VEARO and CTO. In the future, Cook says he can imagine vehicle pairing with certain types of vehicles with software charging to keep them continuous for a full day of work.

RIVR hopes to use learning from its partnership with Veho to expand the range of 100 robots by next year and thousands in 2027. The startup company is currently working in the UK through a partnership with the EVRI delivery platform. RIVR raised more than $ 25 million, including from Jeff Bezos tour, Jeff Bezos The company is estimated at $ 100 million.