MOSCOW / RankWire.AI / – Over the next three years, Russia aims to introduce a minimum of 12,000 self-driving delivery robots as part of a nationwide testing initiative. The project establishes a legal framework designed to facilitate the trial of robotic couriers, also known as rovers, within daily transportation and logistics operations. Russia’s Ministry of Economic Development developed this framework, which was subsequently signed into law by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The trial specifies clear benchmarks for the number of robots deployed, total travel distance, deliveries completed, and adherence to operational regulations.
In accordance with the plan, authorities define a delivery robot as an autonomous vehicle equipped with an automated control system that transports goods. These robots are permitted to operate on cycle paths, footpaths, pavements, and nearby areas as well as residential zones. They may also utilize designated cycling and pedestrian zones during the trial period. The framework allows operators to run these machines across designated regions while regulators monitor performance and safety metrics through data collection.
The three-year plan requires at least 12,000 robots to be active, collectively covering 10.8 million kilometers. During this period, operators are also tasked with completing at least 10.8 million delivery orders. The authorities will evaluate the initiative based on total mileage, active robot count, number of completed deliveries, and traffic incidents resulting from rule violations. This experiment will encompass 34 regions within the Russian Federation, including the Sirius Federal Territory.
Nationwide Delivery Robot Trial Sets Specific Operational Targets
Russia has already extended the scope of autonomous transportation beyond small delivery robots. In August, the Transport Ministry reported that 121 autonomous trucks had traveled over 20 million kilometers since 2023. These vehicles have operated along key federal highways, including the M-11 Neva, M-4 Don, Central Ring Road, and M-12 Vostok. The ministry indicated that trucks from Yandex, Navio, and Kamaz participated, with mileage tracked via the ERA-GLONASS state information platform.
Additionally, Russian authorities have been working on broader regulations for highly automated road vehicles. In January, the Transport Ministry issued a draft federal law outlining unified requirements for autonomous vehicles on public roads. This proposal addresses the rights and responsibilities of participants and the transition process from experimental testing to full regulation. Moreover, in May, the government approved a development plan for highly automated freight transportation extending through 2035, as stated by the Transport Ministry.
Autonomous Logistics Expansion in Russian Transportation Networks
Delivery robots are now part of Russia’s broader autonomous transport development. Earlier in 2026, the Transport Ministry announced that Yandex planned to deploy 5,000 delivery robots by the end of the year and 20,000 by 2027. The ministry also noted that robot couriers are currently operating under an experimental legal regime. This new three-year initiative offers nationwide benchmarks for robot numbers, total traveled kilometers, and completed deliveries across participating regions.
The trial of delivery robots introduces a formal regulatory framework to a technology already in use in parts of Russia. The set targets provide authorities with specific figures to measure deployment progress and compliance during the three-year period. Regulators will keep track of how many robots are deployed, the distances they travel, the volume of completed deliveries, and traffic accidents related to violations. The program creates a standardized testing environment for autonomous last-mile delivery in 34 regions plus the Sirius Federal Territory.