COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University students will be joined by food-delivery robots this semester.
It’s a project sophomore Abbie Silone is excited to be a part of.
“They’re smart. We’re constantly working on them every day,” said Silone.
Silone is a computer and information science major working with OSU’s student life dining services on the autonomous delivery vehicles.
“It’s just a lot faster than getting your food — in less than 30 minutes compared to an hour with in person.”
Senior Director of Student Life and Dining Services Zia Ahmed said that’s the goal.
“We were looking for ways to make the food delivery more efficient, so we started looking at opportunities to see what’s available,” said Ahmed.
Built by Yandex, the robots use four different technologies to monitor the area around them. Once an order is placed, they rover to restaurants and wait for food to be prepared. Then, workers pack and seal it shut. After that, the only person who can open it is the one who ordered the food.
“It’s not unique to college campuses. In general, more people want food to be delivered,” said Ahmed.
The university is partnering with Grubhub, and students will be able to place orders on the app. There will now be a rover option.
“They love the rovers, they’re talking to the rovers like they’re human beings, they’re naming them,” said Ahmed.
Right now, 50 rovers are in service, but OSU officials hope to expand to 100.
Currently, students can order from four campus-area restaurants. Delivery locations include all campus dining halls, Bricker Hall and Thompson Library. Grubhub charges a $2.50 delivery fee with no tip necessary.
