MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Russia intends to introduce at least 12,000 autonomous delivery robots over the next three years as part of a nationwide pilot program. This initiative establishes a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, also called rovers, in everyday transportation and logistics. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development developed the framework, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the government decree. The trial sets clear goals for robot deployment, travel distances, completed deliveries, and adherence to operational rules.
Within this program, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle that uses an automated control system to transport goods. These robots may operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, as well as adjacent areas and residential zones. They are also permitted to use designated cycling and pedestrian zones during the trial. The framework allows operators to run the machines across participating regions while regulators gather data on their performance and safety.
The three-year initiative aims to see at least 12,000 robots in service, covering a total of 10.8 million kilometres. During this period, operators are expected to complete at least 10.8 million delivery orders. Authorities will evaluate the program based on metrics such as mileage, active robots, completed orders, and traffic accidents related to rule violations. The trial will include 34 regions of the Russian Federation along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
Nationwide Delivery Robot Trial Sets Clear Operational Goals
Russia has already expanded its 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 vehicles operated on key federal roads 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 mileage tracked via the ERA-GLONASS state information platform.
Russia is also working on broader regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law to set common standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads. The draft addresses the rights and responsibilities of participants and the transition from experimental to formal regulation. In May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transportation through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous Delivery Expands in Russia’s Transport Network
Delivery robots are now part of Russia’s larger autonomous transport efforts. The Transport Ministry stated earlier in 2026 that Yandex aims to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by year-end and 20,000 by 2027. The ministry added that robot couriers are operating under an experimental legal regime. The new three-year plan sets nationwide targets for robot numbers, travel distances, and completed orders across the participating regions.
This robot delivery trial introduces an official regulatory structure to a technology already in use in parts of Russia. Its specific targets provide authorities with concrete figures to measure deployment and compliance throughout the trial. Regulators will monitor how many robots enter service, their travel distances, the number of completed deliveries, and traffic accidents related to violations. The program creates a standardized testing framework for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.