MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – A minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots will be part of Russia’s upcoming three-year trial spanning dozens of regions. This initiative introduces nationwide regulations for robotic couriers that deliver goods across streets, residential zones, and pedestrian spaces. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development has established the legal groundwork for this testing phase. The government, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, approved the official decree that launched the program. Throughout the trial, authorities will monitor deployment numbers, delivery volumes, distances traveled, and adherence to operational standards.
The trial defines delivery robots as autonomous systems that utilize automated controls to carry goods and deliver logistics services. These devices are permitted to operate on pavements, footpaths, and cycle lanes according to approved regulations. They may also function in residential areas, neighboring zones, and other designated pedestrian or cycling zones. This framework offers businesses a regulated environment to operate their robotic couriers while enabling authorities to gather data on their use. The initiative will span 34 Russian regions along with the Sirius Federal Territory.
Several numerical goals have been set for this three-year testing phase. Participating operators are required to deploy at least 12,000 delivery robots during the program. Collectively, these machines are expected to cover no less than 10.8 million kilometers and complete 10.8 million orders. Regulators will track the number of active robots, total mileage, and the volume of deliveries completed. They will also document any road incidents related to violations of the program’s rules. These metrics aim to establish a standardized system for evaluating autonomous delivery services across the involved regions.
Nationwide trial establishes concrete goals for robot-based deliveries
This delivery initiative coincides with Russia’s broader efforts to expand autonomous vehicle use across its transportation infrastructure. Over 120 self-driving freight trucks have already operated on major federal highways, logging millions of kilometers. These routes include the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. Data collection from autonomous trucks is facilitated through the ERA-GLONASS state information system. Companies such as Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz have developed vehicles participating in the freight program.
Russia has also drafted comprehensive legislation to regulate highly automated road transport. Earlier in 2026, officials issued a draft of federal rules governing autonomous vehicle operations on public roads. These regulations specify responsibilities for companies, drivers, and other key stakeholders involved in automated transport. Additionally, a separate plan for highly automated freight transportation is projected through 2035. These efforts are complemented by experimental legal regimes that permit autonomous systems to operate under specific conditions before broader regulatory standards are implemented.
Robotic couriers become part of Russia’s wider autonomous transport development
Existing experimental rules already permit robotic couriers to operate in certain Russian areas. Earlier 2026 plans called for thousands more delivery robots to join the fleets as operators expanded their deployment. The new three-year program offers a comprehensive structure with clear national targets for deployments, travel distances, and orders fulfilled. It also provides regulators with a consistent set of indicators to assess performance across various regions and operational contexts.
This initiative integrates last-mile delivery into Russia’s broader automated transport testing framework. Operating data will be used to evaluate how many robots are deployed, their usage intensity, delivery figures, traveled kilometers, and incidents related to rule infractions. The trial encompasses both large-scale deployment and routine operations within a unified regulatory environment. By the conclusion of the program, participating robots are slated to complete millions of deliveries across designated testing zones throughout Russia.