US tech giant Amazon has acquired Swiss robotics startup Rivr, which specializes in stair-climbing delivery robots, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was announced on March 20, 2026.
Rivr, which spun out of ETH Zurich’s Robotics Systems Lab in 2023, builds four-legged robots designed for last-mile delivery, bringing goods directly to customers’ doorsteps. The company raised $22 million in seed funding in 2024, with Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos’ family office, Bezos Expeditions, leading the round.
Company Context
Rivr’s robots are engineered to navigate complex urban environments, including climbing stairs, to deliver packages directly to recipients. The company’s technology represents a significant advancement in automated doorstep delivery.
Industry Context
The acquisition highlights the growing interest in robotics and AI within the delivery sector. Equity funding in European robotics startups increased by 130% in 2025 compared to 2024, with these companies raising €1.6 billion last year. ETH Zurich, where Rivr originated, is a key player in Europe’s robotics ecosystem, with several successful spinouts in the field.
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Source: Sifted