The University of Notre Dame, Grubhub and Starship Technologies have partnered to introduce autonomous robot deliveries using Starship’s fleet across the campus.
During the initial launch, Starship’s fleet of up to 30 on-demand robots will deliver from six campus eateries, with university staff and students using the Grubhub app to make delivery orders.
By spring, Starship expects the robot fleet to reach 50 and to expand the number of on-campus eateries it is servicing.
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“We are thrilled to partner with Grubhub and Starship Technologies to bring robot delivery to our students, faculty and staff on campus.
“The robots will provide increased accessibility to our campus units by conveniently bringing the food to our customers, filling a void in the service that we currently have,” said Luigi Alberganti, executive director of campus dining.
To place an order, users can open the Grubhub app and choose from a range of restaurants labelled “Offers Robot Delivery,” and then select the drop-off location.
Customers can then track the order through an interactive map as the robot makes its journey to their location. Once the robot arrives, users will receive an alert to meet and unlock the robot through the app.
According to Starship, each robot can carry the equivalent of about three shopping bags of goods.
“We’re excited to bring robot delivery to Notre Dame’s campus and continue supporting innovation within its campus dining program,” said Adam Herbert, senior director of campus partnerships at Grubhub.
“Robot delivery is a natural progression of the work we’ve been doing with Notre Dame for years.”
“We’ve been expanding our relationship with Grubhub and are pleased to announce that Notre Dame is our latest collaboration,” said Chris Neider, vice president for business development at Starship Technologies.
“We know the campus community will appreciate the convenience of on-demand deliveries, whether it’s to save time or to avoid some of the seasonal weather.
“The robots don’t mind the weather, regardless of rain, sleet or snow.”
