MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Russia plans to introduce at least 12,000 autonomous delivery robots within the next three years as part of a nationwide pilot project. This initiative establishes a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, also called rovers, in everyday logistics and transportation activities. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development formulated the framework, which was approved by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The pilot program includes specific goals related to robot deployment, distance traveled, successful deliveries, and adherence to operational guidelines.
According to the programme, a delivery robot is defined as an autonomous vehicle that utilizes an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, sidewalks, pavements, adjacent zones, and residential areas, including designated cycling and pedestrian zones under trial conditions. The framework allows operators to deploy these machines across various regions while authorities gather data on their performance and safety measures.
This three-year project aims to have no fewer than 12,000 robots in operation, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometres. During the same period, operators must complete at least 10.8 million deliveries. Evaluation metrics will include the total mileage, active robot counts, number of completed orders, and traffic incidents related to rule breaches. The pilot will encompass 34 Russian Federation regions, along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
National Targets for Robot Delivery Pilot Are Set
Russia has expanded its autonomous transport applications beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry announced that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled over 20 million kilometres since 2023. These vehicles have operated mainly on key federal roads including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry noted the involvement of trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz, with mileage data collected via the ERA-GLONASS platform.
Furthermore, Russia is working on comprehensive regulations for highly automated vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law to set uniform standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads. The proposal details participants’ rights and responsibilities and covers the transition from experimental testing to official regulation. In May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transportation extending through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Broader Autonomous Logistics Initiatives Take Hold in Russia
Delivery robots are now part of Russia’s broader autonomous transportation strategy. Earlier this year, the Transport Ministry reported that Yandex aimed to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of 2026 and increase that number to 20,000 by 2027. The ministry also confirmed that robot couriers have been operating under an experimental legal framework. The new three-year program sets explicit national objectives for robot quantities, total distance travelled, and the number of completed deliveries across participating regions.
This delivery robot pilot introduces a structured regulatory approach to a technology already active in certain parts of Russia. Its predefined targets provide authorities with concrete benchmarks to monitor deployment and compliance over the three-year span. Officials will evaluate how many robots enter service, their travel distances, the volume of completed deliveries, and traffic incidents linked to violations. The programme creates a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery in 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.