Delivery robots proposed for Monroe Park Campus
Illustration by Cassidy Davis.
Natalie Collins, Contributing Writer
Jack Glagola, News Editor
VCU Dining posted a poll last week on its social media platforms to gauge the interest in food delivery robots, which would deliver food around campus for an additional fee.
The post, shared on their X, formerly known as Twitter, page and Instagram story, asked: “Rams, would you be interested in contactless, on-campus food delivery from Starship Robots for $1.99 per order?”
The robots, developed by the company Starship Technologies, are “advanced, autonomous devices that carry items, such as groceries, hot food or parcels, over short distances,” according to the company’s website.
Deliveries are handled through the company’s proprietary app, according to its website. The robots use GPS and maps to find its destination and avoid pedestrians and obstacles.
The robots are designed to operate in urban and suburban environments, offering an alternative to traditional delivery methods like cars or trucks, according to the website. They are equipped with anti-theft measures, such as locking lids — opened by a customer with the app — and GPS monitoring.
Starship did not respond to a request for comment.
Starship robots are used at 50 schools nationwide as of August 2023. Two Virginia schools, George Mason University and James Madison University, use these robots, according to the Starship website.
George Mason’s robot fleet, the first on a college campus in the United States, was launched in 2019, according to a press release. The service has been well-received by students at George Mason.
VCU Dining stated in an email they “rely on student feedback before implementing dining decisions,” and the survey was provided to gauge student interest when asked about the status of Starship robots coming to VCU.
VCU Dining did not provide additional comments.
Jake Gomez, a first-year business student, said he thinks the robots would be “cool,” but is concerned how they will be treated.
“I don’t think the people here would respect them,” Gomez said. “Also, some of our roads are messed up, but I definitely think I’d use it though.”
Eian Murphy, a first-year fashion merchandising student, said he is unsure about how the robots would fit in the busy city.
“I think it’s good but I think it would be hard to execute in Richmond with all the people,” Murphy said.
