AssetID: 54804281
Headline: RAW VIDEO: The Robot Revolution Begins: Tech Firm Unveils New Delivery Robots That Walk On Wheels And Legs
Caption: In a move that sounds like it’s been plucked straight from a sci-fi blockbuster, a new breed of parcel delivery robots is hitting the streets of Austin, Texas - and they’ve got both wheels and legs. Tech firm Veho, known for running the fastest-growing alternative parcel delivery platform in the U.S., has teamed up with robotics powerhouse RIVR to trial a new initiative they say could reshape the future of e-commerce deliveries. But if you’re picturing a robot uprising, don’t panic just yet. The bots aren’t replacing human drivers - at least not for now. Instead, the aim is to support them by boosting efficiency, reducing physical strain, and speeding up delivery in densely populated areas where parking is a nightmare. While a human courier makes one drop-off, the wheeled-legged robot zips off to handle another, independently navigating from the delivery van to the customer’s front door. The smart bots even place packages according to customer instructions and send photographic proof through the Veho app. A video released by the company shows the robots in action - navigating steps, curbs, and tricky terrain like seasoned professionals. For the Austin trial phase, a RIVR employee will shadow each robot to ensure everything goes smoothly, with engineers from both firms monitoring performance in real-world conditions. “Over nine years, Veho has proven that a delivery platform and technology built for e-commerce produces better delivery experiences and economics for consumers and brands,” said Itamar Zur, Veho’s co-founder and CEO. “This partnership is an exciting next step in reinventing e-commerce delivery and enabling brands to turn shipping from a cost center to a value driver.” Zur added, “Working with RIVR will help us learn if pairing a human with a robot can improve delivery reliability, speed and costs, all while maintaining a great delivery and brand experience.” Veho currently operates in 50 U.S. metro areas, including New York City, using its network of 30 distribution centres and 84,000 app-connected independent drivers — a setup that’s made it an attractive partner for RIVR’s ambitious rollout. Marko Bjelonic, CEO of RIVR, is confident the collaboration is a major leap forward in solving the toughest challenge in logistics - the so-called “last-100 yard” problem. “With the exponential rise in e-commerce, the last mile has become the most critical—and complex—link in the logistics chain,” he explained. “Our mission is to put one million delivery robots into the field… helping us deliver not just faster and more cost-effective service, but a smarter, more human-centered model for robotics in logistics.” Unlike sidewalk bots that stick to curbside or drones that mostly work in rural areas, RIVR’s walking-wheeled robots are designed to thrive in the chaos of urban life - climbing stairs, opening gates, and even navigating gravel paths. If the Austin pilot goes well, the companies plan to expand into more cities later this year.
Keywords: feature,photo feature,photo story,delivery robots,Veho,RIVR,e-commerce,parcel delivery,AI technology,urban logistics,last mile,Austin,robot courier,physical AI,smart delivery,pilot program,human-robot collaboration,doorstep delivery,automation,logistics innovation,tech partnership,robot trial,U.S. cities
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