Winona State University is rolling out a robot food delivery service starting Wednesday, Feb. 26.
The partnership between Winona State Chartwells Dining and Starship Technologies will provide an affordable, environmentally friendly, and fun option for food delivery service in the heart of the city. Whether you’re a student, employee, or Winona resident, the robots will provide food delivery both on and off campus – right to your door!
Starship’s autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver food and drinks from four campus eateries: Panda Express, Einstein Bros. Bagels, True Burger, and Starbucks. The on-campus delivery area includes all Winona State campus buildings – including East Lake Apartments. Off-campus, the delivery areas includes residences located between Wabasha to Sarnia streets from north to south and Grand to Franklin streets from east to west.
“It puts a smile on my face knowing someone is getting food delivered straight to their door.” – Katana Provost, Junior, Psychology and Criminal Justice
The robots navigate using advanced machine learning, artificial intelligence, and sensors to travel on sidewalks and navigate around obstacles. The computer vision-based navigation helps the robots to map their environment to the nearest inch. The robots can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night, and operate in both rain and snow. The robots may call a remote operator to confirm a movement or to seek assistance.
Orders can be placed via the Starship app (available on iOS and Android) and be delivered anywhere within the designated zone within minutes. Choose from a range of popular food and drink items, drop a pin for the delivery location, then watch via an interactive map as the robot makes its journey. Once the robot arrives, the user receives an alert and unlock it through the app.
For Winona State students, the service works in conjunction with the student meal plans, allowing use of Dining Dollars to place orders.
“I am excited for the food delivery robots at Winona State because they make dining options more accessible for those who need them.” – Ella Page, Junior, Studio Art
Winona State is the first university in the Minnesota State system to introduce food delivery robots on campus.
“The Starship robots will enhance the student experience by offering greater convenience across campus. This service meets the growing demand for food delivery and helps Winona State explore innovative technology solutions that support student success.” – George Micalone, Director — Student Union & Activities
Starship Technologies operates commercially on a daily basis around the world. Its zero-emission robots have made over seven million autonomous deliveries, traveled millions of miles and make more than 150,000 road crossings daily. Starship currently provides services to 55 campuses across the country. Since launch, all campuses have increased the number of robots, dining options and hours of operation to meet the high demand for the service.
For more information, contact Winona State Marketing and Communications at anortham@winona.edu.
