The key facts

  • Yandex Uzbekistan expects to launch robot delivery in Tashkent by the end of the year; the robots are currently undergoing testing.
  • The robots deliver groceries, ready-made meals, and everyday goods over distances of up to 2 km at pedestrian speed.
  • Based on the pilot results, the company plans to gradually expand the project and use the robots to deliver orders for other services and companies.

The launch is expected by the end of the year

Yandex Uzbekistan expects to launch delivery of orders using courier robots in Tashkent by the end of 2026. A company representative told the Kun.uz publication Izzat Shukurov: according to him, the robots are currently undergoing the necessary testing, and only those routes will be selected for delivery where the service's time requirements can be met. Preparations for the project became known back in July: at that time, the robots were spotted on the streets of Tashkent, and the company confirmed that it was testing them for delivering Yandex Lavka orders.

How the robots work

The robots are designed for deliveries over distances of up to two kilometers and move at pedestrian speed. They carry groceries, ready-made meals, and everyday goods. When placing an order, the user sees the approximate arrival time in the app.

Navigation and non-standard situations

The company explained that the robots use lidars and ultrasonic sensors: the computing system processes sensor data, recognizes traffic light signals, and predicts the movement of surrounding objects, which allows the robot to independently choose its direction, go around obstacles, and cross the road at pedestrian crossings. Six drive wheels help it overcome curbs up to 10 centimeters high and uneven sections of road; according to the company, the robots can also operate in rainy weather.

What will happen after the pilot

Based on the results of the pilot project, the company plans to expand it in stages: the robots are expected to be used for delivering orders of other services in the Yandex Uzbekistan ecosystem, and the service will also be offered to third-party companies. When asked by the editorial team about the robot's actions in emergency situations, the company replied that in most cases the robot handles things on its own, and in a non-standard situation it contacts a remote operator. Lifting or moving the robot by hand is not recommended — it is quite heavy; the support service can be reached via the QR code on its body.