TU pilots food delivery robots
Robots now accepting limited orders from Union Food Market to drop-off locations across TU’s main campus
Say hello to your newest (food-delivering) friends.
Beginning today, five autonomous robots will deliver meals and drinks from select Union Food Market locations to 38 drop-off spots across campus. The robots are part of a pilot program from TU’s Dining Services in partnership with GrubHub and Starship Technologies.
Limited orders available; check delivery times
The robots will deliver a limited number of orders each day from Bento Sushi, Dunkin’, Jack*s Burrito, The Halal Shack, Roar Pizza Co. and The Den @ Paws. Orders can be made through the GrubHub app (available on the App store and Google Play) and dropped off at outdoor pick-up locations around the academic core, West Village, Center for Arts, 10 West and Administration Building. Before completing the order, students, faculty and staff should check delivery estimates, since timing may vary during the pilot period.
“We’re asking students to exercise patience as we introduce this exciting new service,” says Vernon Hurte, senior vice president for student affairs and university life. “If the pilot works well, there’s potential to expand the fleet in the future.”
How it works
Orders can be purchased with Tiger Meals and Dining Dollars by linking GrubHub to your TU account, or with credit/debit cards or Apple Pay. The $3.49 delivery fee can be incorporated into any payment option.
The robots contain locked, insulated compartments to prevent spills and ensure food and drinks remain at the desired temperature. Designed to act like pedestrians, they’ll use radar, sensors and GPS to travel on campus sidewalks, detect obstacles and traverse crosswalks along Cross Campus Drive. Alarms, cameras and tracking devices will protect against theft and alert staff when they need support.
Upon delivery, the buyer will use their GrubHub app to unlock the robot’s lid and obtain their order.
It makes TU’s food options more accessible to students, faculty and staff—especially those who can’t take a break from their studies or work and those who aren’t feeling well.
Vernon Hurte, senior vice president for student affairs and university life
TU is among the first campuses in Maryland to launch the food delivery robot service. It is currently in place at approximately 55 colleges and universities nationwide.
Autonomous food delivery robots will serve 38 locations on campus, including the Glen Towers.
Five robots will deliver a limited number of orders each day, with the possibility of expansion this fall.