Robotic Food Delivery Begins in Minneapolis as University of Minnesota Tests New Service

For the first time in Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota has introduced a pilot program featuring robotic food delivery to its Twin Cities campus. The autonomous coolers, managed by California-based Starship Technologies, have been operational for over a month, completing approximately 1,200 deliveries. This initiative offers students a potentially faster and cheaper alternative to popular delivery services such as DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Alice Roberts-Davis, Vice President for University Services, noted, «There are a lot of people who have very tight schedules, they’re in buildings that don’t offer food service, and they do need some options for dining.» The university sees these robots as a unique opportunity to bring food directly to students.

The robots make their deliveries between Coffman Memorial Union and various locations on the East Bank and West Bank of the campus. Students can order from several restaurants via the Starship app, which levies a delivery fee of about $2.50 and an additional 10% service fee, but no gratuity is required. Students can even use their meal plans within this system.

The Minneapolis City Council approved a one-year pilot program for such delivery robots on August 15. Despite the council’s initial concerns about traffic disruptions and potential job displacement, this program remains the sole active use of the three available permits for such technology. Council Member Robin Wonsley, representing the University area, reiterated her concerns about the robot’s implications for labor practices, while still voting in favor of the pilot.

«When the new robot program was first presented to my office,» said Wonsley, «I was disappointed to hear that these labor issues did not appear to have been proactively considered by the University.» In contrast, the University expressed confidence that an increase in orders could bolster employment within their dining services.

Professor Marc Bellemare of Applied Economics at the University discussed the broader implications of these innovations, suggesting that robotics represents the next advancement in food delivery. While automation might initially affect employment for specific groups, Bellemare noted that history shows new job opportunities tend to emerge over time.

These robots are equipped with cameras, GPS, and level 4 autonomy, allowing them to navigate pre-mapped areas, though human operators can intervene if required. They travel up to 4 mph, within the city’s regulatory limit. However, student Ben Leahy remarked that their movement can be hindered by crowded walkways, causing delays.

Roberts-Davis emphasized the priority of safety, stating, «That, to me, is worth waiting a few extra minutes for your food,» reflecting the University’s commitment to safe and efficient service. The pilot program continues to draw interest as a significant technological trial on campus.