The university’s dining department partnered with Starship Technologies to bring 30 food-delivery robots to campus. UT Dallas joins the University of Houston as the only universities in the state to offer the technology, according to a UT Dallas spokesperson.
The 45-pound robots are able to travel autonomously in premapped areas using a combination of computer vision and GPS, according to a FAQ posted on the UT Dallas website.
Students can download the Starship Deliveries app for access to delivery from 10 dining locations, including Papa John’s, Halal Shack and Einstein Bros. Bagels. Additional restaurants will come online in the future, according to the FAQ.
Starship robots can carry up to 20 pounds and travel at about four miles per hour, according to the FAQ. They have the ability to climb curbs, cross streets and travel in harsh weather conditions.
The recipient can track the robot’s location. Once it arrives, students can use the app to unlock the robot. A fee of $1.99 is charged for each delivery.
For more information on the robots, visit www.dineoncampus.com/utdallasdining/delivery-robots.
