College campuses are often bustling with students, faculty, and staff who are constantly on the go. Finding time to grab a meal between classes or meetings can be a challenge, but Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) has introduced a new solution to make food delivery more convenient than ever. A fleet of robots is now available on the SEMO campus to deliver food and drinks from popular eateries such as Redhawks Market, Panda Express, Starbucks, Rowdy’s, and Subway.
To utilize this innovative service, all students, staff, and faculty have to do is download the Starship Deliveries app. From there, they can browse the menu of participating restaurants, select their desired items, and drop a pin on the location where they want their delivery to be sent. The app allows users to track the robot’s delivery in real-time through an interactive map, providing a seamless and efficient experience.
When the robot arrives at the designated location, users will receive an alert on their app. They can then unlock the robot and retrieve their order with ease. The university assures that deliveries should only take a matter of minutes, depending on the items ordered and the distance the robot needs to travel. This new service is not only convenient but also integrates seamlessly with SEMO’s existing payment systems, accepting Flex Dollars and Redbucks for payment.
SEMO’s food service leaders are confident in the capabilities of these delivery robots. Matthew Ludwig, Chartwells resident district manager, expressed excitement about bringing this convenience to SEMO students, citing the success of similar services on other campuses. The response from students and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing excitement and admiration for the adorable robots.
Alicia Ticer, the director of marketing and student engagement for SEMO Dining, described the robots as both entertaining and high-tech. Weighing 45 pounds and equipped with twelve cameras to analyze their surroundings, these robots are designed to navigate the campus safely and efficiently. Ticer emphasized that the robots are programmed to pay attention to pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a smooth delivery process.
One student, Brooklyn Hyatt, shared her enthusiasm for the new addition to campus. She expressed her delight at the robots‘ „little personalities“ and their ability to avoid obstacles while making deliveries. Hyatt also highlighted the convenience of having a variety of food options available without having to trek across campus to find them.
The robots are controlled through a mobile app, allowing users to customize their delivery experience with music. Ticer noted that the robots can bring an extra dose of positivity to users‘ days with their jamming tunes. Additionally, payment is made easy for students, as the robots accept Flex Dollars and Redbucks, streamlining the ordering and payment process.
Overall, the introduction of these high-tech delivery robots has been a welcomed addition to the SEMO campus. Students and staff alike appreciate the convenience, efficiency, and entertainment value that these robots bring to the dining experience. With their advanced technology and ability to navigate various obstacles, these robots are set to revolutionize food delivery on campus for years to come.