MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia intends to introduce a minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots as part of a nationwide trial. The initiative establishes a legal structure for testing robotic couriers, also referred to as rovers, within everyday transportation and logistics operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development authored this framework, which was signed into law by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The trial aims to set clear benchmarks for robot deployment, distance traveled, deliveries completed, and adherence to operational standards.
Within this program, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle that employs an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, as well as in adjacent zones and residential areas. They are also authorized to use designated cycling and pedestrian spaces under the trial’s guidelines. The framework facilitates operators running these machines across participating regions while regulators gather data concerning their safety and performance.
The three-year plan mandates that at least 12,000 robots become operational, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometers. During this period, operators are required to complete no less than 10.8 million delivery orders. The authorities will evaluate the program based on metrics such as total mileage, active robot count, completed deliveries, and traffic accidents related to rule violations. The trial will encompass 34 regions of the Russian Federation, along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
Nationwide Delivery Robot Trial Establishes Operational Goals
Russia has already advanced autonomous transportation beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry reported that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled over 20 million kilometers since 2023. These vehicles have operated on key federal highways, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry noted that trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with their mileage tracked via the ERA-GLONASS system.
Russia’s authorities are also working on comprehensive regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry released a draft federal law to establish uniform standards for autonomous vehicles operating on public roads. This proposal covers the rights and responsibilities of participants and addresses the transition from experimental phases to official regulation. Additionally, in May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transport extending through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous Logistics Expanding Throughout Russian Transport Sector
Delivery robots are now integrated into Russia’s broader autonomous transportation initiatives. The Transport Ministry mentioned earlier in 2026 that Yandex aimed to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of the year and increase to 20,000 by 2027. The ministry also confirmed that robot couriers have been functioning under an experimental legal regime. The new three-year initiative sets nationwide targets for the quantity of robots, total kilometers traveled, and number of orders fulfilled across participating regions.
The delivery robot trial introduces formal regulations to a technology already operating in parts of Russia. Its targets offer authorities concrete figures for monitoring deployment and compliance over the three-year span. Regulators will track how many units are launched, the distances they cover, the volume of completed deliveries, and traffic incidents related to violations. The program creates a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.