MSU adds robot delivery for food service

Missouri State University has added a robot delivery service at its Springfield campus.

San Francisco-based Starship Technologies today is rolling out a fleet of 20 autonomous, on-demand robots that will deliver food from on-campus eateries, according to a news release. Officials say MSU is the first university in Missouri to receive the service.

“Buildings and individuals not in close proximity to the dining centers or retail vendors will have food options they've never had before,” said Terry Weber, director of the MSU Plaster Student Union, where the restaurants are housed, in the release.

Initial restaurants on board are Einstein Bros. Bagels, Panda Express and Subway, with Market Cafe 1905 to be added soon.

Staff and students will be able to use the Starship Deliveries app, after which the robots will deliver their food to their location on campus, according to the release.

“We’re excited to start the new school year by expanding our services to Missouri,” said Chris Neider, director of business development at Starship Technologies, in the release. “We think the students will quickly see the advantages of contactless delivery and enjoy having the robots become part of the campus community.”

Other universities utilizing the Starship robot delivery service include Bowling Green State University, University of Houston, The University of Utah and University of Idaho.