Towson University is now buzzing with the arrival of autonomous food delivery robots. Imagine a small, sleek robot, similar to WALL-E, rolling down campus pathways to deliver your favorite meals. This high-tech delivery service, powered by Starship Technologies, is set to change how students enjoy their food.
Students can zip through their Grubhub app, place an order, and wait for one of these robots to arrive. They can bring food from well-known spots like Dunkin’, Bento Sushi, and Jack’s Burrito. For those on meal plans, using this robot service is easy and convenient.
Many Towson students are excited about this new service. Khalifia Abubakar, a sophomore, expressed her amazement: “When I saw it the first time, I was like, What is going on?” Junior Rachel Dormeyan added, “It’s just so cool to see.” Freshman Michael Webb is eager to spot one, while junior Sandrine Kuma couldn’t hide her enthusiasm for this futuristic method of food delivery.
These robots are more than just cute gadgets; they are equipped with advanced technology to navigate the campus safely. Richard Coburn, a District Manager for Tiger Hospitality, explained how these robots work. They know the layout of the campus and can avoid obstacles, ensuring safe deliveries.
Starship Technologies is no stranger to the delivery game. Their robots have successfully completed nearly eight million deliveries worldwide, showcasing their reliability. These machines can operate in various weather conditions, which makes them ideal for busy college environments.
Students appreciate the convenience. Sandrine Kuma noted that it saves time: “You could be doing something and not want to get up to go get food.” The robots truly offer a new layer of convenience amid busy schedules.
However, not all students are fully on board. Some worry about the potential negative effects on physical activity and job security for human delivery workers. Michael Webb, for example, mentioned, “It kind of defeats the purpose of getting up and being active.” Similarly, freshman Dylan Davis voiced concerns about robots replacing jobs typically held by humans.
Towson University is part of a growing trend, with over 55 campuses in the U.S. introducing similar robot services. The delivery fee is just $3.49, which students can conveniently pay through their Grubhub accounts.
Looking toward the future, Towson officials aim to ramp up this service, planning to boost the robot fleet to around 20 by fall. As campuses explore innovative solutions to meet student needs, it seems like food delivery robots may be here to stay.
For more insights on autonomous technology’s impact in various sectors, check out this report from the Pew Research Center.
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