Starship Technologies autonomous food delivery robots rolling onto Old Dominion University campus

Grubhub and Starship Technologies are rolling out their food delivery service on Old Dominion University’s campus in Virginia, USA.

Starship’s fleet of 11 autonomous, on-demand robots will deliver from seven campus eateries: Chick-fil-A (Webb Center and University Village), Starbucks (Webb Center and University Village), Panera Bread, Qdoba and Steak ‘N Shake.

Students, faculty, staff and the ODU community can now use the Grubhub app (iOS and Android) to order food and drinks from local retailers to be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes. Students can use flex points from their meal plan to order food but must use a credit card for the delivery fee.

"We are thrilled to be one of the few universities in the state offering expanded food delivery services on campus," says Shannon Hurt, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life Services in ODU’s Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement and Services.

"Feedback from students has shown a strong desire for this convenience, and we hope our food delivery robots will not only enhance the dining experience but also serve as a unique and engaging cultural addition to campus life, especially during special events like homecoming."

To get started, users open the Grubhub app, choose from a range of food or drink items, then select the location for their delivery to be sent. They can then watch as the robot makes its journey to them, via an interactive map.

Once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it 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 up to 20 pounds - the equivalent of about three shopping bags of goods.

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Autonomous delivery will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards. which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.