Amazon acquires robotics start-up RIVR

20.03.2026 11:00, Rita Longobardi

Amazon has acquired RIVR Technologies AG, a spin-off from ETH Zurich, pointing to continued investment in robotics and logistics. The deal follows an initial investment made two years ago and underlines Amazon’s continued focus on automation in last-mile delivery.

Founded out of ETH Zurich, the Top100 Swiss Startup RIVR has developed quadrupedal robots capable of navigating complex urban environments. The robots can walk, drive, stand upright on two legs, and manipulate packages using wheeled end effectors. They are already deployed in several countries, supporting delivery operations.

At the core of RIVR’s approach is its work on General Physical AI, focused on applying robotics to last-mile delivery. Delivery drivers often spend a large portion of their time covering short distances between parked vans and customers’ doorsteps, particularly when managing multiple drop-offs in proximity. RIVR’s autonomous robotic companion is designed to take over these repetitive tasks, reducing physical strain on drivers while increasing delivery throughput.

The acquisition builds on an existing relationship. In 2024, Jeff Bezos and the Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund participated in a USD 22 million funding round in RIVR. Bringing the company fully in-house allows Amazon to integrate the technology more directly into its logistics operations.

Beyond the transaction itself, the deal is expected to reinforce Switzerland’s presence in robotics and AI development. The Amazon Industrial Innovation Fund has already shown continued interest in the region, including its investment in Algorized, a Lausanne-based startup developing technology that enables robots to operate in complex environments by detecting and interpreting movement through obstacles such as dust, darkness, or occlusion.

With RIVR now part of Amazon, the acquisition shows how advances from Swiss research institutions are being rapidly adopted across global technology platforms, particularly in areas where automation can directly impact operational efficiency.


RIVR co-founders: CEO Marko Bjelonic, CTO Lorenz Wellhausen, CTO Giorgio Valsecchi, and COO Alexander Reske