MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – The Russian government is set to introduce a three-year initiative aimed at deploying a minimum of 12,000 autonomous delivery robots through a nationwide pilot program. This initiative establishes a legal framework for testing robotic couriers, also known as rovers, in routine logistics and transportation activities. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development authored the framework, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin endorsing it via an official government decree. The pilot sets clear metrics for robot deployment, travel distances, successful deliveries, and adherence to operational regulations.
Within this program, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle utilizing an automated control system to transport goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, pedestrian walkways, pavements, as well as adjacent and residential areas. Under the trial guidelines, they can also use designated cycling and pedestrian zones. The framework enables operators to run these machines across participating regions while regulators gather data on their performance and safety measures.
The three-year plan stipulates that at least 12,000 robots should be operational, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometres. During this period, operators are also expected to fulfill at least 10.8 million delivery orders. The authorities will evaluate the initiative based on metrics such as total mileage, active robot count, number of completed deliveries, and traffic accidents related to rule breaches. The trial encompasses 34 constituent territories of the Russian Federation, including the Sirius Federal Territory.
Nationwide Targets Established for Robot Delivery Pilot
Russia has already extended the reach of 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 vehicles operated on major federal highways, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. According to the ministry, trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with mileage data recorded through the ERA-GLONASS state information system.
Furthermore, Russian authorities have been working on more comprehensive regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law aimed at establishing uniform standards for autonomous vehicles on public roads. This legislation covers participant rights and obligations and outlines the transition from experimental testing to formal regulation. In May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transportation extending through 2035, according to the Transport Ministry.
Expansion of Autonomous Logistics in Russian Transportation Sector
Delivery robots are now part of Russia’s broader autonomous transport strategy. Earlier in 2026, the Transport Ministry announced that Yandex aimed to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of the year and 20,000 by 2027. The ministry highlighted that robot couriers were operating within an experimental legal framework. The new three-year initiative sets specific national goals for the number of robots, total kilometres traveled, and completed deliveries across the involved regions.
This delivery robot pilot introduces a structured regulatory approach to a technology already in use in certain parts of Russia. Its defined targets enable authorities to measure deployment, safety, and compliance throughout the three-year period. Monitoring will focus on the quantity of active machines, distances covered, successful deliveries, and traffic accidents caused by violations. The program also provides a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery across 34 regions and the Sirius Federal Territory.