Yandex Lavka plans to launch autonomous robot delivery of groceries, prepared meals and everyday goods in Tashkent by the end of 2026. Yandex Uzbekistan’s press service told the Gazeta publication about the plans.
The company is currently conducting the necessary tests to prepare the devices for operation in an urban environment. The robots are expected to operate on routes of up to two kilometres. Route selection will take into account whether an order can be delivered within the time frame set by the service. Customers will be able to see the estimated arrival time in the app when placing an order.
According to the company, the robots move at pedestrian speed and navigate the city independently. They use lidar and ultrasonic sensors to do so. Their computing system processes information about the surrounding environment, recognises traffic light signals and predicts the movement of objects. This allows the delivery robots to choose routes, avoid obstacles and cross roads at pedestrian crossings.
Each robot has six drive wheels, enabling it to overcome curbs up to 10 centimetres high and travel over uneven surfaces.
Yandex Uzbekistan says the devices can also operate in rainy weather. The robots can handle most road situations independently, while a remote operator steps in when an unusual situation occurs.
Asked by Gazeta how the robots are protected against vandalism, Yandex Uzbekistan said they are relatively heavy and designed so that accessing internal components or opening compartments without specialised tools is difficult.
The company advises pedestrians not to lift or move the devices manually. A QR code on each robot allows users to contact customer support.
To order delivery by robot, a free robot must be available within the delivery zone. If one is available, the app will offer robot delivery as an option during checkout.
Customers will be able to track the delivery robot’s route in real time through the Lavka service. To collect an order, users will need to approach the robot, tap the “Open lid” button in the app and take their order from the compartment.
After the pilot phase, Yandex Uzbekistan plans to gradually expand robot delivery, connect other services within its ecosystem and offer the technology to third-party companies.
The project first came to public attention in July 2026, when robots were spotted on the streets of Tashkent. At the time, the company confirmed that it was testing them to deliver Yandex Lavka orders.
