On the avenues and pathways of the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, a new fleet of food delivery robots by Starship Technologies has emerged. Announced as the maiden University-managed food delivery service, these automated couriers are pioneering such technology in Minneapolis, catering to the culinary needs of students, faculty, and visitors.
Accessible through the Starship app, orders can be placed for favorites from Panda Express, Starbucks, and Erbert & Gerbert's at Coffman Memorial Union. Once an order has been made, it is entrusted to one of the robots, nearly navigating campus terrain to deliver to virtually any location on the East Bank. Customers keep tabs on their itinerant meals via an interactive map on the app and once arrive, unlock the robot to collect their food. "We're thrilled to offer this food delivery option to our community members," was the statement issued by Alice Roberts-Davis, vice president of University Services, to the University's news outlet.
The introduction of this service highlights the University's commitment to accessibility, as noted by the words of Roberts-Davis. For individuals facing mobility challenges or those encapsulated by stringent schedules, the delivery robots appear as a beacon of convenience. Furthermore, the battery-operated nature of these robots champions a sustainable approach to delivery systems, allegedly mitigating the environmental impact compared to standard automobile deliveries.
As the winter seasons approach, laden with cold and snow, the practicality of these autonomous robots is hard to overlook. Fully equipped to adapt to any condition, be it dusk, rain, or a snowstorm, the robots employ a blend of machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sensors to safely maneuver on their delivery quests. The partnership with Chartwells Higher Education, managing the food service aspect under the name M Food Co., and the coordination with city officials and public works departments have been critical for the approval and rollout of this robotics initiative. "We're incredibly grateful to M Food Co. — managed by Chartwells Higher Education — for overseeing this program, along with the City of Minneapolis government officials and the Public Works Department who helped get this service approved," stated Roberts-Davis in a further show of gratitude involved in the service's inception.
The campus community's adaptation to these robotic couriers remains a focal point of interest for Starship Technologies. Chris Neider, vice president of business development at Starship, conveyed his expectations, "We’re looking forward to seeing how the campus community embraces our robots," he told the University's news outlet. Since 2019, when the company commenced its educational campus ventures, the feedback from students and staff has suggested a high appreciation for the convenience and time-saving benefits the service provides.
