N.B. Uber, Swiggy, Zomato; Robots deliver takeout orders in this university

The students of George Mason University of Fairfax County in Virginia have a dining option now. The food will be served by an army of cute self-operational robots.

World’s largest fleet of autonomous delivery robots launches on @GeorgeMasonU Campus today in Virginia USA. 40,000 students, faculty and staff will have access to the new service with retailers Blaze Pizza, Starbucks, Dunkin’, Second Stop grocery and more: https://t.co/fpRAenhEEl pic.twitter.com/6c5amyacdY

— Starship (@StarshipRobots) January 22, 2019

European startup Starship Technologies is bringing its six-wheeled delivery robots to a university campus in Virginia. The company announced here on Monday that George Mason University will allow students to use their meal plans to select food and drink orders delivered by the robots.

Starship says it’s providing George Mason with at least 25 robots, and orders from Blaze Pizza, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ will be available at the start. More will be added in the ‘coming weeks,’ and each order will cost extra.

The robots have arrived on campus – and they deliver food! 🤖Here’s what you need to know @StarshipGMU  >> https://t.co/wYczmUMdr2 #robots #fooddelivery #highered pic.twitter.com/kPp1dXw2Qc

— George Mason University (@GeorgeMasonU) January 22, 2019

These delivery bots can carry up to 9 kilograms (20 pounds) worth of goods. They have been tested in various cities around the world in partnership with services like DoorDash or Postmates.

Starship’s robots are able to drive themselves on sidewalks, over curbs, and operate in rain or snow and at night, according to the startup. They navigate around people and other objects thanks to cameras embedded around the robot’s exterior.

“With a fleet of more than 25 robots at launch, this initiative is the largest implementation of autonomous robot food delivery services on a university campus and is representative of Sodexo’s next-generation technology portfolio for the College and University Market. Sodexo, a global provider of food and facilities management services, is committed to offering innovative services that help students enjoy a better campus experience. The service works in conjunction with student meal plans. By making food and drink more accessible, Sodexo and Starship are aiming to make the busy lives of Mason students and faculty a little easier,” the press release reads.