MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia aims to introduce at least 12,000 autonomous delivery robots as part of a nationwide testing initiative. This program establishes a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, also known as rovers, in routine transportation and logistics services. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development developed the framework, which was signed into effect by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The trial sets concrete goals for robot deployment, travel distances, delivery completion counts, and adherence to operational regulations.
Within the scope of the initiative, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle that utilizes an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, and adjacent residential zones, including designated cycling and pedestrian areas under trial conditions. The framework allows operators to run these machines across participating regions, with regulators gathering data on their performance and safety.
The three-year project mandates that a minimum of 12,000 robots be deployed, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometres, while completing at least 10.8 million delivery orders. Evaluation metrics will include total mileage, active robot count, number of completed deliveries, and traffic incidents related to rule violations. The trial will encompass 34 regions of the Russian Federation along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
National Goals Set for Robot Delivery Trials
Russia has already extended autonomous transportation use beyond small delivery robots. According to the Transport Ministry in August, 121 autonomous trucks have traveled over 20 million kilometres since 2023. These vehicles have operated on key federal highways such as the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok, with trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participating, and mileage tracked through the ERA-GLONASS system.
Furthermore, Russia is working on broader regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry released a draft federal law to establish uniform standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads, addressing participant rights, responsibilities, and the transition from experimental to official regulation. In May, a development plan for highly automated freight transport through 2035 received government approval, as stated by the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous Transport Expands in Russia
Delivery robots are already integrated into Russia’s wider autonomous transport strategy. Earlier this year, the Transport Ministry announced that Yandex planned to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of 2026 and 20,000 by 2027. These robots have been operating under an experimental legal framework, and the new three-year plan sets clear national targets for robot quantities, travel distances, and completed deliveries across participating areas.
The formal regulation of delivery robots through this trial introduces a structured framework to a technology already functioning in parts of Russia. Its specified targets provide clear benchmarks for deployment and compliance over the three-year period, with regulators monitoring the number of operational units, travel distances, completed orders, and traffic accidents related to violations. The initiative creates a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery in 34 regions plus the Sirius Federal Territory.