MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia aims to introduce at least 12,000 autonomous delivery robots as part of a nationwide pilot program. This initiative establishes a legal framework to facilitate testing of robotic couriers, also called rovers, within everyday transportation and logistics operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development prepared the framework, which was then authorized by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin through a government decree. The trial sets clear goals related to robot deployment, travel distances, delivery completions, and adherence to operational standards.
The programme defines a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle that uses an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, sidewalks, pavements, and adjacent areas, including residential zones. They may also use designated cycling and pedestrian zones in accordance with trial regulations. The legal framework allows operators to run these machines across participating regions, while regulators monitor performance and safety data.
During the three-year period, at least 12,000 robots are expected to be operational, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometres. Operators are also required to complete a minimum of 10.8 million delivery orders during the trial. Evaluation criteria will include total mileage, active robot counts, number of completed deliveries, and traffic incidents related to rule breaches. The project will encompass 34 regions of the Russian Federation along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
National Targets Set for Robot Delivery Trials
Russia has expanded its autonomous transportation efforts beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry announced that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled more than 20 million kilometres since 2023. These vehicles have operated on major federal routes such as 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 recorded through the ERA-GLONASS state information platform.
Russia’s authorities are also working on broader regulations for highly automated vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law aimed at establishing uniform standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads. The proposed legislation addresses the rights and responsibilities of participants and the transition process from experimental use to official regulation. In May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transportation through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Expansion of Autonomous Logistics in Russian Transportation
Delivery robots are increasingly integrated into Russia’s larger autonomous transport strategy. Earlier in 2026, the Transport Ministry stated that Yandex planned to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of the year and reach 20,000 by 2027. These robot couriers have been operating under an experimental legal regime. The newly announced three-year initiative sets nationwide benchmarks for robot numbers, total kilometres traveled, and completed deliveries across participating regions.
The trial of delivery robots formalizes a technology already in use in parts of Russia. Its predefined targets provide authorities with specific metrics for deployment and compliance over the three-year span. Regulators will monitor the number of robots introduced, distance traveled, orders fulfilled, and traffic incidents linked to violations. This program creates a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.