The robots are more than a 3novelty, they 4serve a purpose.
"We have a number of locations on campus that just don't have great 5accessibility to food and when students and faculty and staff are on campus, they want to be able to have food in between tight class schedules."
The robots designed and operated by Starship Technologies currently deliver from Panda Express, Starbucks and Erbert & Gerbert for $2.49 plus a 10% delivery fee.
Anyone on campus can use the Starship Food Delivery app to order food and have it delivered.
"You can 6drop a pin anywhere that you'd like to get your delivery."
Users can follow the robot's location through the app after they 7place an order and use it to unlock the 8compartment with their food.
"Tell me about the technology that's working here."
"Plenty of sensors and cameras all the way around, 9extremely 10accurate. Of course we have GPS."
The robots use machine learning and AI to cross streets, make it up 11curbs and 12avoid 13obstacles.
They're able to run at night and in rain or snow.
"How much can it 14handle with the snow tires?"
"I think we quote somewhere around four or five inches of snow."
With it being the first day, the Starships are still learning.
"I would've liked it if I didn't have to walk and meet it, but maybe they'll improve the technology for next time."
With 11 robots to start, they had to temporarily pause some early orders to 15keep up. More robots will 16roll out 17by the end of the week to handle student demand.
"They're excited. They're happy about what the robots will mean for them as far as convenience, and we're really excited to see how well this will do."
