Swiss robotic dogs are now climbing up stairs to deliver fast food

They can carry up to 20 kg of burgers and such on their back

Rowan Dunne

Published

18 hours ago

Delivery dogs will soon become a common sight on the streets of Europe and abroad thanks to a new partnership between Swiss robotics company RIVR and Just Eat Takeaway.com NV (OTCMKTS: TKAYF) (FRA: T5WA).

The companies launched a pilot initiative with the robotic canines in Zurich this month in preparation for widespread deployment. They are currently making runs to and from the local kebab restaurant Zekisworld and other eateries.

The remote-controlled robots are capable of climbing stairs, maneuvering through crowds and over obstacles, and avoiding traffic from vehicles and cyclists with minimal commands. They are equipped physical AI software and can carry up to 20 kilograms of grub in a box on their back.

“With a top speed of approximately 15 km/h, they’re built to deliver quickly and reliably, even in rain, snow, heat, or wind,” RIVR specified in a news release on Aug. 20.

Their aim is to send an expansive pack of the electronic food delivery hounds throughout major European cities.

RIVR and Just Eat are also targeting Japan, according to a report this week from Tokyo-based Kyodo News. SoftBank Group Corp – ADR (OTCMKTS: SFTBY) Robotics has taken an interest in utilizing the mobile tech along with the transport arm of Yamato Holdings Co Ltd (TYO: 9064).

RIVR secured US$22 million in seed funding last year with contributions from Jeff Bezos.

What happens when autonomous vehicles and robots work together?

Two RIVR robots + one autonomous vehicle = 24/7 on demand delivery.

Last-mile delivery, reimagined.#Robotics #AutonomousDelivery #PhysicalAI pic.twitter.com/zV1yKss5FK

— RIVR (@rivr_tech) August 14, 2025

Robot dogs are becoming a policing tool too

Aside from food delivery excursions, robo-pooches have become a subject of interest for police in countries like the United Kingdom and Taiwan. They are still undergoing test trials in this regard as well.

Nottinghamshire Police are currently running a 3-month pilot program to assess their capabilities. They would enable officers to engage suspects remotely and detect weapons they may be in possession of.

In Asia, the Taipei City Council recently faced criticism after admitting that one of their robotic mutts was manufactured by a company with ties to the Chinese military.

These policing models are equipped with thermal imaging tech, LiDAR, 360 degree cameras and advanced remote-control software. They have also been gaining steam in the military, retail and private security sectors for their surveillance abilities and other useful features.

Additionally, they’ve been proving their worth in other manner in Switzerland by performing on the badminton court.

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a robo-dog that can keep up with human players in a casual rally. “ANYmal” is a US$150,000-dollar experiment.