MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Russia intends to introduce a minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots during the upcoming three-year period through a nationwide pilot program. This initiative establishes a legal foundation for testing robotic couriers, also known as rovers, in routine transportation and logistics operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development developed the framework, which was then approved by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin with a government decree. The trial sets specific targets for the deployment of robots, their travel distances, the number of deliveries completed, and adherence to operational regulations.
According to the programme, a delivery robot is defined 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 nearby zones and residential areas. Under trial conditions, they may also utilize designated cycling and pedestrian zones. The established framework allows operators to deploy the machines across participating regions while authorities gather data on their performance and safety standards.
This three-year plan envisions at least 12,000 robots in operation, collectively traveling 10.8 million kilometres. During the trial phase, operators are required 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 counts, the number of orders fulfilled, and incidents involving traffic violations. The initiative encompasses 34 constituent regions of the Russian Federation, along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
National Goals Set for Robot Delivery Operations
Russia has already extended autonomous transportation beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry reported that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled over 20 million kilometres since 2023. These vehicles have been operating on major federal highways, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry confirmed that trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with mileage recorded via the ERA-GLONASS government data platform.
Russian officials are also working on comprehensive regulations for highly automated vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law aimed at establishing uniform requirements for autonomous vehicles operating on public roads. The proposal covers the rights and responsibilities of participants and the transition process from experimental operations to formal regulation. In May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transport extending through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Expansion of Autonomous Logistics in Russia’s Transportation Sector
Delivery robots are already integrated into Russia’s broader autonomous transport strategy. Earlier in 2026, the Transport Ministry announced that Yandex aimed to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of the year and 20,000 by 2027. The ministry also noted that these robot couriers operated under an experimental legal framework. The new three-year initiative sets national objectives for robot numbers, total kilometres traveled, and orders completed across the designated regions.
This robot delivery trial formalizes an existing technological presence in parts of Russia by establishing regulatory targets for deployment, operational performance, and safety compliance over the three-year span. Authorities will monitor key figures such as the number of operational machines, their travel distances, order fulfillment, and traffic-related accidents involving violations. The program provides a unified testing structure for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.