MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia aims to introduce a minimum of 12,000 self-driving delivery robots as part of a nationwide pilot project. This initiative establishes a legal framework to test robotic couriers, also called rovers, in routine transportation and logistical operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development created the framework, which was signed into law by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The trial incorporates specific goals related to robot deployment, travel distance, delivery volume, and adherence to operational guidelines.
Within the scope of the programme, a delivery robot is defined as an autonomous vehicle equipped with an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, as well as in adjacent and residential zones. They can also navigate designated cycling and pedestrian zones as part of the trial regulations. The framework allows operators to deploy these machines across participating regions, while authorities gather data on their performance and safety standards.
This three-year plan aims for at least 12,000 robots to become operational and collectively travel 10.8 million kilometres. During this period, operators are expected to complete a minimum of 10.8 million delivery orders. The authorities will evaluate the programme based on metrics such as total mileage, active robot count, completed deliveries, and traffic incidents related to violations. The project encompasses 34 regions within the Russian Federation and the Sirius Federal Territory.
National Goals Set for Autonomous Delivery Operations in Russia
Russia has already expanded autonomous transportation efforts beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry reported that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled over 20 million kilometres since 2023. These trucks have been active on key federal routes, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry confirmed that vehicles from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with mileage data recorded through the ERA-GLONASS state information platform.
Russia is also working on comprehensive regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law to establish uniform standards for autonomous vehicles operating on public roads. The legislation covers participant rights and responsibilities and addresses the transition from experimental trials to full regulation. In May, the government approved a development strategy for highly automated freight transport extending through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Expansion of Autonomous Logistics in Russia’s Transport Sector
Delivery robots are now integrated into Russia’s broader autonomous transportation 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. The ministry also noted that robot couriers operate under an experimental legal framework. The upcoming three-year programme establishes specific national targets for robot numbers, total kilometres traveled, and orders completed across the designated areas.
This delivery robot initiative introduces a formal regulatory structure to a technology already functioning in some regions of Russia. Its outlined targets provide authorities with clear benchmarks to measure deployment success and compliance over the next three years. Regulatory bodies will monitor the number of active machines, their travel distances, delivery volumes, and traffic violations linked to accidents. The programme creates a standardized testing platform for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.