MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Russia plans to deploy at least 12,000 autonomous delivery robots over the next three years under a nationwide trial. The programme creates a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, also known as rovers, in everyday transport and logistics services. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development drafted the framework, and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed the government decree. The trial sets measurable targets for robot deployment, travel distance, completed deliveries and compliance with operating rules.
Under the programme, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle using an automated control system to move goods. The robots may operate on cycle paths, footpaths and pavements, along with adjacent areas and residential zones. They can also use designated cycling and pedestrian areas under the trial rules. The framework lets operators run the machines across participating regions while regulators collect data on performance and safety.
The three-year programme calls for at least 12,000 robots to enter service and travel a combined 10.8 million kilometres. Operators must also complete at least 10.8 million delivery orders during the trial period. Authorities will assess the programme using mileage, active robot numbers, completed orders and traffic accidents tied to rule violations. The experiment will cover 34 constituent regions of the Russian Federation as well as the Sirius Federal Territory.
Robot delivery trial sets national operating targets
Russia has already expanded the use of autonomous transport beyond small delivery robots. The Transport Ministry said in August that 121 autonomous trucks had travelled more than 20 million kilometres since 2023. Those vehicles have operated on major federal roads, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road and M-12 Vostok. The ministry said trucks from Yandex, Navio and Kamaz took part, with mileage recorded through the ERA-GLONASS state information platform.
Russian authorities have also been developing broader rules for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry published a draft federal law to establish common requirements for autonomous vehicles on public roads. The proposal addresses participant rights and responsibilities and the transition from experimental operation to formal regulation. In May, the government approved a development concept for highly automated freight transport through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous logistics expands across Russian transport
Delivery robots already form part of Russia’s wider autonomous transport programme. The Transport Ministry said earlier in 2026 that Yandex planned 5,000 delivery robots by year-end and 20,000 by 2027. The ministry also said robot couriers were operating under an experimental legal regime. The new three-year programme provides nationwide targets for robot numbers, kilometres travelled and completed orders across participating territories.
The delivery robot trial adds a formal regulatory structure to a technology already operating in parts of Russia. Its targets give authorities defined figures for measuring deployment and compliance during the three-year period. Regulators will track how many machines enter service, how far they travel, completed orders and traffic accidents tied to violations. The programme establishes a common testing framework for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.