MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia plans to evaluate a minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots across numerous regions. This initiative sets forth a comprehensive set of regulations for robotic couriers responsible for transporting goods through streets, residential neighborhoods, and pedestrian zones. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development crafted the legal foundation for this trial, which has been approved by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Throughout the trial, authorities will monitor deployment rates, volume of deliveries, distance covered, and adherence to operational standards.
The programme defines delivery robots as autonomous systems utilizing automated controls to move goods and manage logistics services. These machines are permitted to operate on pavements, footpaths, and cycle lanes in accordance with approved regulations. They are also authorized to function within residential zones, adjoining territories, and other designated pedestrian or cycling spaces. This framework provides businesses a regulated environment for operating robotic couriers while enabling authorities to gather usage data. The trial will extend over 34 Russian regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.
Officials have set specific numerical objectives for this three-year testing period. Operators participating in the programme must deploy at least 12,000 delivery robots. Collectively, these robots are expected to travel a minimum of 10.8 million kilometres and complete 10.8 million orders. Regulators will evaluate metrics such as active robot counts, total mileage, and number of deliveries fulfilled. They will also document any road incidents related to breaches of the programme’s requirements. These benchmarks facilitate a unified approach to assessing autonomous delivery operations across the involved territories.
National initiative establishes clear targets for robot-based deliveries
This delivery initiative coincides with Russia’s broader efforts to expand autonomous vehicle use within its transportation system. Over 120 driverless freight trucks have already traversed major federal highways, covering millions of kilometres. These routes include the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The Transport Ministry utilizes the ERA-GLONASS state data platform to record information from these autonomous trucks, which are developed by companies such as Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz.
Russia has also been working on broader legislation to regulate highly automated road vehicles. Earlier in 2026, draft federal rules were published to govern autonomous vehicle operation on public roads. These regulations specify responsibilities for companies, vehicle operators, and other stakeholders in automated transport. Additionally, a separate development plan for highly automated freight movement extends through 2035. These measures supplement experimental legal regimes that permit autonomous systems to operate under specific conditions prior to the adoption of comprehensive regulatory standards.
Robotic couriers become part of an expanded automation strategy for transportation
Existing experimental rules already permit robotic couriers to operate in some areas of Russia. Earlier plans announced in 2026 aimed to introduce thousands more delivery robots as operators increased their fleets. The new three-year programme establishes a broader framework, setting specific national goals for deployment, travel distance, and order fulfillment. It also standardizes indicators for regulators to monitor performance across various regions and operational contexts.
This initiative integrates last-mile delivery within Russia’s extensive automated transport testing system. Authorities will analyze operational data to determine how many robots are active, how frequently they are used, and the total volume of deliveries. They will also track kilometres traveled and incidents stemming from rule violations. The programme encompasses both large-scale deployment and day-to-day operations under a unified regulatory structure. By its conclusion, participating robots are scheduled to have completed millions of deliveries across designated testing zones in Russia.