Robots to Deliver Starbucks, Panda Express, and More at Wichita State Campus
Hungry Kansas students can now place orders and receive their food via an autonomous robot delivery service to wherever they are on campus.
Starting mid-August, Starship Technologies will be rolling out a fleet of autonomous, on-demand robots at Wichita State University. Users place orders through the Starship mobile app device and drop a pin to show their location on campus, after which they watch the robots make their approach on an interactive map.
Students using the service will be available to deliver food from the following campus restaurants:
- RSC Starbucks
- Panda Express
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard
- Tu Taco
- Market at Groundhouse
- Cargill Cafe
- Black & Gold Grill: A Delivery Ghost Kitchen
Once the robot arrives, users receive an alert inviting them to meet and unlock it through the app. Students at the university can pay for the service in conjunction with student meal plans and Shocker dollars, as well as by credit card.
The company says students can also customize their orders, selecting particular ‘personalities’ for their robots, along with music to go along with the delivery.
The robots are already making deliveries at a number of campuses across the country, including the University of Illinois Chicago, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Bowling Green State University.
Since launching, the company says all campuses have added more robots, dining options, and operation hours in order to meet high demand.
“We’re pleased to announce Wichita State University as our newest university,” said Chris Neider, vice president of business development at Starship Technologies. “The university has a strong reputation as a research university and we think the campus community will enjoy learning about new technologies first-hand with our robots. Getting to regularly interact with our robots will not only show the convenience of autonomous delivery but will be a fun experience for all Shockers.”
