Robots Now Delivering Food At Towson University

TOWSON, MD — Robots are now delivering food at Towson University.

The college launched the five autonomous, on-demand robots on March 24 when students returned from spring break.

The robots are locked and insulated, ensuring meals arrive at the desired temperature. There are also alarms, cameras and tracking devices to prevent theft and alert staff when they need support.

Students and employees place their orders on the Grubhub app and meet their delivery robot at a designated drop-off area. Customers can then monitor the robot's journey using an interactive map. When the robot arrives, the customer gets an alert to meet and unlock the container.

The robots use machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to travel on sidewalks and navigate around obstacles. They can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night and operate in rain and snow.

“Bringing food delivery robots to Towson University is an exciting step forward in enhancing on campus dining,” said Bethany Comegys, marketing manager for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality, Towson's food provider. “This new option makes getting great food even easier for our students, faculty and staff.”

The fleet will deliver from six eateries at the Union Food Market: Bento Sushi, Dunkin’, Jack*s Burrito, The Halal Shack, Roar Pizza Co. and The Den @ Paws. The service also works with student meal plans.

Towson is among the nation's roughly 55 colleges offering food delivery robots. Other schools with the service include the University of Notre Dame and the University of Kentucky. Since launching, all campuses have increased the number of robots, dining options and hours of operation to meet the high demand for the service.

“We are thrilled to introduce food delivery robots to our campus, bringing innovation directly to our students,” Vernon Hurte, Towson's senior vice president for student affairs and university life, said in a press release. “This new fleet of robots roaming our campus embraces technology and will enhance the student experience by providing reliable and contactless meal delivery, giving them more time to focus on campus life.”

The robots are designed by Starship Technologies. Its zero-emission robots have made nearly eight million autonomous deliveries, traveled millions of miles and make more than 150,000 road crossings every day.

“We’re looking forward to introducing our robot delivery service to Towson University,” said Chris Neider, vice president of business development at Starship Technologies. “By partnering with innovative schools, we give students the chance to experience autonomous technology up close. Not only will they get to interact with this tech on a daily basis, but they’ll also enjoy the added convenience that these adorable robots bring to campus.”