Autonomous Delivery Robots Revolutionize Campus Dining at Cal Poly

Cal Poly has partnered with Grubhub and Starship Technologies to introduce a fleet of autonomous delivery robots on campus, offering students, faculty, and staff a convenient and innovative way to access food, drinks, and snacks. This cutting-edge technology promises to streamline the dining experience and reduce wait times at campus venues.

Transforming the Campus Dining Experience with Autonomous Delivery

Convenience and Efficiency at Your Fingertips

The introduction of these autonomous delivery robots on the Cal Poly campus is a game-changer for the dining experience. Students, faculty, and staff can now place orders through the Grubhub app and have their food, drinks, and snacks delivered directly to them, no matter where they are on campus. This innovative service eliminates the need to wait in long lines at campus dining venues, allowing members of the Cal Poly community to make the most of their time.The six-wheeled robots are designed to be compact and maneuverable, measuring less than 30 inches long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall (excluding the flag). These diminutive delivery vehicles can carry up to 22 pounds of food, with compartments designed to keep items hot or cold during transport. The lid remains locked during delivery and can only be opened by the customer upon arrival, ensuring the integrity of the order.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Seamless Delivery

The autonomous delivery robots are equipped with an array of advanced technologies to ensure safe and efficient navigation around the Cal Poly campus. Twelve cameras, radar, GPS, reflectors, and stereo cameras allow the robots to detect objects up to 200 feet away and adjust their speed accordingly to avoid obstacles. If an object is directly in front of the robot, it will come to a complete stop, prioritizing the safety of pedestrians and other campus community members.The interactive map feature on the Grubhub app allows customers to track the robot's journey, providing real-time updates on the delivery status. When the robot arrives at the designated location, customers receive an alert and can unlock the compartment using the app, completing the seamless delivery process.

Revolutionizing the Campus Dining Experience

The partnership between Cal Poly, Grubhub, and Starship Technologies is a testament to the university's commitment to innovation and enhancing the student experience. By introducing these autonomous delivery robots, Cal Poly is not only addressing the time constraints faced by students, faculty, and staff but also fostering a sense of excitement and wonder on campus."Nowhere is time more regimented than on a university," said Chris Neider, Vice President of Business Development at Starship Technologies. "You're moving between classes, you can place an order right before you're out, and the robot can meet you at the quad, in the next building, or at your dorm."This innovative delivery service is poised to transform the way the Cal Poly community accesses food, drinks, and snacks, offering a convenient and efficient solution that complements the fast-paced nature of campus life.

Expanding the Reach of Autonomous Delivery

Starship Technologies, the company behind the autonomous delivery robots, is a recognized leader in the field of autonomous delivery services. The company currently serves 1.3 million students across the United States, partnering with 900 merchants to provide dining options on college campuses.With nearly 7 million deliveries completed worldwide, Starship Technologies has demonstrated the scalability and reliability of its autonomous delivery platform. The introduction of these robots at Cal Poly is a testament to the company's commitment to revolutionizing the way people access goods and services, particularly in the context of higher education.As the Cal Poly community embraces this innovative delivery service, it sets the stage for other universities to follow suit, potentially paving the way for a new era of campus dining that prioritizes convenience, efficiency, and technological advancement.