Yandex to launch robot delivery services in Tashkent by the end of 2026

Yandex has announced plans to launch its robotic delivery service in Tashkent. According to Izzat Shukurov, head of Yandex Uzbekistan, autonomous delivery robots are expected to be operational in the capital by the end of 2026.

• Robots will be used to deliver groceries and ready-to-eat meals.
• The units are currently undergoing necessary testing to ensure safety and efficiency.
• The Yandex robotic fleet consists of over 1,500 units worldwide.
• The project aims to automate the "last mile" of the delivery process.

How the delivery robots function While specific launch dates and pilot areas for Tashkent are yet to be disclosed, Yandex's robots are already a proven technology. They are currently managing deliveries from over 170 "Yandex Lavka" dark stores, utilizing advanced AI and sensory hardware to navigate urban environments. The technology is designed to make the final stage of the order fulfillment process seamless and automated. ## Technological expansion in Uzbekistan This initiative marks a significant expansion of Yandex's ecosystem in Uzbekistan, a market where the company already operates several services. By integrating autonomous delivery, Yandex is setting a new standard for logistics in the region, focusing on efficiency and innovation to improve the customer experience.

Impact on the local tech landscape For Tashkent, the introduction of robot couriers signifies a major step toward smart city integration. For businesses, it opens new avenues for automation, while for the tech industry in Central Asia, it demonstrates that the local infrastructure is becoming increasingly capable of supporting advanced robotic systems and large-scale AI deployment.