MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Russia intends to roll out a minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots across its territory within the next three years as part of a comprehensive national pilot program. This initiative establishes a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, or rovers, in daily logistics and transportation operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development developed the framework, which was endorsed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin through an official government decree. The pilot aims to set clear benchmarks for robot deployment, travel distances, successful deliveries, and adherence to operational regulations.
Within this plan, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle equipped with an automated control system used for transporting goods. The robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, adjacent zones, and residential areas, including designated cycling and pedestrian zones under trial conditions. This framework allows operators to run these machines across participating regions, while regulators gather data related to performance and safety metrics.
The three-year plan stipulates that at least 12,000 robots will be introduced, collectively traveling 10.8 million kilometres. During this period, operators are expected to fulfill at least 10.8 million delivery orders. The authorities will evaluate the program based on metrics such as total mileage, number of active robots, completed deliveries, and traffic incidents linked to violations. The project covers 34 regions of the Russian Federation in addition to the Sirius Federal Territory.
Nationwide Delivery Robot Trial Sets Operational Goals
Russia has already expanded 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 trucks have operated on key federal routes, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry noted that vehicles from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with mileage tracked via the ERA-GLONASS platform.
Russia is also advancing regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry introduced a draft federal law outlining common standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads. This draft addresses participant rights, responsibilities, and the transition from experimental testing to formal regulation. Additionally, in May, the government approved a concept for developing highly automated freight transportation through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous Logistics Extends Its Reach in Russia
Delivery robots are now integrated into Russia’s broader autonomous transportation initiatives. Earlier in 2026, the Transport Ministry stated that Yandex planned to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the year’s end and 20,000 by 2027. These robots operate under an experimental legal framework, but the new three-year plan establishes specific targets for robot numbers, total kilometres traveled, and completed deliveries across participating regions.
This trial introduces formal regulation to a technology already active in parts of Russia. Its defined goals allow authorities to measure deployment success and compliance over the three-year span. Regulators will monitor the number of active robots, their travel distances, completed orders, and traffic accidents related to violations. The program provides a unified testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery within 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.