Delivery Robots Hit the Streets as Part of Saudi Pilot Phase

Can we really say we're living in the future if robots aren't delivering our sandwiches for us? A new pilot programme launched at ROSHN Business Front in Riyadh is rolling out autonomous vehicles that can transport meals, parcels and goods - without a human driver in sight.

The trial is being overseen by the Transport General Authority, in collaboration with food delivery platform Jahez and real estate developer ROSHN Group. For now, the robot couriers are operating in a controlled business district, weaving through foot traffic and navigating walkable zones to complete short-distance deliveries.

It’s the first time delivery robots have been deployed publicly in the Kingdom, and their appearance signals a shift in how last-mile logistics could soon look. Small, wheeled and fully automated, the units are designed to function independently, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to conventional delivery methods, especially in areas where cars and bikes are less viable.

The programme is part of a wider national effort to adopt smart city technologies and support innovation in transport infrastructure. More trials are expected in the coming months, with authorities looking to assess the potential for wider deployment across residential and commercial districts.