Automation invasion: Why dining robots don’t belong at VCU
Illustration by Abigail Gleeson.
Jessica Holgado, Contributing Writer
Walking through the open spaces of George Mason University, I encountered something that seemed straight out of a sci-fi flick — a dining robot humming along the sidewalks. It was the first time I ever laid eyes on one.
I found myself charmed by the idea of having my food delivered by one of those automatons, saving me the trip across campus on a busy day. They were honestly cool, and I could not help but find them adorable even though I didn’t think too much about them beyond that.
When VCU Dining introduced the idea of Starship robots to our urban campus, my initial enchantment gave way to skepticism. VCU’s environment is a stark contrast to the orderly confines of GMU.
As a student on a busy campus, the sight of delivery robots cruising along the sidewalks is becoming increasingly common. These high-tech couriers promise convenience and efficiency, whisking packages and meals to busy students and faculty. As I watch them glide by, however, I can not help but feel concerned for the delivery drivers whose jobs are at risk because of this automation.
The truth is, while these robots are marvels of modern engineering, they represent a significant shift in the job market. For years, students and locals have relied on delivery jobs for income, flexible hours and even human interaction. These are not just jobs; they are opportunities for people to connect, support themselves and in some cases, work their way through school.
I understand the appeal of delivery robots. They do not get tired, they do not need breaks and they are not prone to human error — but at what cost? The introduction of these robots could lead to a loss of jobs for real people; individuals I pass by every day who have stories, ambitions and financial needs.
The thought of these robots navigating through crowds of students, dodging hurried pedestrians and facing potential acts of vandalism seems impractical, if not impossible. The charm of the robots is overshadowed by the logistical nightmares that a busy cityscape like VCU’s could present.
With all the gunfire, armed robberies and hit-and-runs around campus, it is already chaotic. Throwing dining robots into the mix could just crank up the mayhem. Every time I get an alert about another incident, I am reminded of how unpredictable things can get here.
Adding robots that could get tagged, hijacked or just plain run over seems like it would add another layer of disorder we really don’t need. It’s tough enough to navigate campus as it is, and I can’t imagine robots making it any easier.
Another major concern is the risk of theft and vandalism in a city environment. Given the high population density and diverse urban population, it is difficult to predict how these robots would handle unpredictable interactions.
Robot malfunctions are another problem. What if they just stop working in the middle of a delivery? Navigating the uneven sidewalks and pavement in this city is a challenge on its own. Imagine those dining robots trying to wheel around with a tray of food — it’s a recipe for disaster. With our luck, it would probably happen during finals week when everyone depends on a quick bite.
And let’s not forget about traffic. People run red lights like it’s a sport. A robot trying to cross the street could easily get caught up in that mess. Moreover, the dynamic and crowded campus setting could pose navigational difficulties for the robots, which could disrupt the efficiency and the overall flow of the campus.
Considering these factors, it becomes evident that VCU requires a more human-centric approach to dining services that can adapt to the unique needs and challenges of our campus community. It seems like we’re better off keeping things simple and sticking to what works.
