Logistics platform Veho, automation and AI firm RIVR launch robotic parcel delivery trial in Austin, Texas

Veho, which ships for the likes of Sephora and Warby Parker, and automation and AI firm RIVR have announced a US-based initiative that aims to improve e-commerce delivery experience and efficiency through the use of parcel robots.

The deployment begins this week in Austin, with plans to expand to additional markets later this year based upon learnings during the initial trial.

The robots are not intended to replace human delivery drivers. But rather enable humans to deliver more parcels, faster, with less physical strain. The ability for humans to work with and manage robots performing deliveries may be particularly valuable in dense areas with many deliveries but limited parking, it is claimed.

While a human driver completes one drop off, the wheeled legged robot will deliver another, navigating from the delivery vehicle all the way to the customer’s doorstep, placing parcels according to customer’s instructions, while leveraging the Veho app to send a photo of each successful delivery.

During the trial, a RIVR employee will accompany the robot to ensure safety and delivery quality, while Veho and RIVR team members monitor the robot to learn how it performs during real-life deliveries.

“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. 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,” says Veho Co-founder and CEO Itamar Zur.

“When it comes to delivery, customers care most about its reliability, speed and cost. This partnership will help us learn if a robot working with a human can help reduce delivery costs while improving on-time-delivery and speed, all while maintaining a great delivery and brand experience.”

Veho’s platform enables drivers to deliver millions of packages per month across 50 US metropolitan areas, most recently launching in New York City. The technology powering Veho’s network of over 30 distribution centres across the US and its app-based platform for 84,000 independent driver partners was built entirely in-house.

“With the exponential rise in e-commerce, the last mile has become the most critical - and complex - link in the logistics chain. Our mission is to put one million delivery robots into the field, leveraging general physical AI to scale urban robotics to where it’s needed most,” says Marko Bjelonic, CEO at RIVR.

“Our partnership with Veho is a major milestone on that journey to bring our technology to the US. As a leading parcel delivery platform in the US, Veho offers the ideal environment for deploying at scale, helping us deliver not just faster and more cost-effective service, but a smarter, more human centred model for robotics in logistics.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.