Starship Technologies Launches Robot Food Delivery Service at WPI

The robots use a combination of sophisticated machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors to travel on sidewalks and navigate around obstacles. Their computer vision-based navigation helps the robots to map their environment to the nearest inch.

Before Starship starts operating in an area, road crossing points are mapped along with pavement routes, meaning robots will only cross roads at agreed crossing points. The robots can also climb curbs, travel at night, and operate in both rain and snow. A team of humans can also monitor their progress remotely and can take control at a moment’s notice. 

To start the delivery process, users open the Starship Deliveries app, choose from a range of their favorite food or drink items, then drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent. They can then watch via an interactive map as the robot makes its journey to them. Once the robot arrives, the user receives an alert, and can then meet and unlock delivery compartment through the app. The delivery usually takes just a matter of minutes, depending on the menu items ordered and the distance the robot must travel. Each robot can carry the equivalent of about three shopping bags of goods and can travel up to around 4 miles per hour. The robots cannot climb stairs or enter buildings.

“Technology has always been an important part of life at WPI,” said Chris Neider, VP of business development at Starship Technologies. “Because the campus community appreciates innovative solutions, we think they will love having autonomous delivery from our robots. Being able to see and interact with tech will be a great advantage and fun experience for the community.”

WPI is the latest school to work with San Francisco-based Starship Technologies. Starship’s zero-emission robots provide services to campuses across the country, including Bowling Green State University, Missouri State University, University of Houston, and the University of Illinois Chicago. Since launch, all campuses have increased the number of robots, dining options and hours of operation to meet the high demand for the service since launching.