Avride Sidewalk Delivery Bots Launch in Japan

Avride Launches Autonomous Delivery in Tokyo with Rakuten

Avride, a developer of autonomous delivery systems, is initiating restaurant order and grocery deliveries via sidewalk robots in central Tokyo this week. This expansion is facilitated through a collaboration with the prominent e-commerce company, Rakuten.

This launch represents the latest step in Avride’s commercial growth within Northeast Asia. The company originated as a spinout from Yandex and is now headquartered in Austin, Texas.

Nebius Group and Avride’s Evolution

Avride operates as one of four distinct projects under the umbrella of Nebius Group. Nebius Group, previously known as Yandex NV, is a Netherlands-based entity that divested its Russian assets in 2024 for approximately $5.2 billion.

Following this restructuring, Avride has continued to advance its autonomous vehicle technologies. This includes both its sidewalk-based robots and fully self-driving cars.

Strategic Partnerships and Expansion

Avride has successfully forged partnerships with major corporations, including Uber and, now, Rakuten. These collaborations are key to its expansion strategy.

Currently, Avride maintains a limited commercial sidewalk delivery service in Seoul, South Korea. Furthermore, the company conducts ongoing testing of its autonomous vehicles, which are still equipped with human safety drivers.

Japan Market Entry and Future Growth

After completing the necessary certification procedures in Japan last year, Avride is now commencing commercial operations within the country. The initial rollout in Japan will involve a fleet of 10 robots, with future plans for scaling the operation.

US Market Presence

Avride is also experiencing growth within the United States. The company currently operates approximately 100 sidewalk delivery bots at Ohio State University, in partnership with Grubhub.

Uber Collaboration

A multi-year agreement with Uber, established last year, encompasses both sidewalk delivery robots and autonomous cars. This deal is part of Uber’s broader strategy of securing partnerships in the autonomous vehicle sector.

Currently, Uber Eats customers in Austin, Dallas, and Jersey City can receive food deliveries via Avride’s robots. Plans are in place to integrate Avride’s self-driving cars into the Uber platform in Dallas later this year.