08 August 2025 | News
Image Courtesy: Public Domain
Old Dominion University (ODU) has launched a new and innovative food delivery service powered by autonomous robots, in partnership with Grubhub and Starship Technologies. This makes ODU one of only three universities in Virginia to feature on-campus robotic food delivery, underscoring its commitment to innovation and enhanced student experiences.
Starship’s fleet of 11 autonomous, on-demand delivery robots will now serve the ODU campus, delivering food and beverages from seven popular campus eateries, including Chick-fil-A (Webb Center and University Village), Starbucks (Webb Center and University Village), Panera Bread, Qdoba, and Steak ‘N Shake.
Using the Grubhub app, students, faculty, staff, and the greater ODU community can place orders and have their meals delivered to any location on campus within minutes. The robots can carry up to 20 pounds and navigate sidewalks, curbs, and crossings autonomously with the help of advanced AI, sensors, and computer vision. Each robot’s journey can be tracked live through the app, and users receive an alert once their order arrives.
“We are thrilled to be one of the few universities in the state offering expanded food delivery services on campus,” said Shannon Hurt, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life Services at ODU. “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.”
Students can use flex points from their meal plans to pay for food, while a credit card is required for the delivery fee.
Starship Technologies, a global leader in autonomous delivery, has completed over 4 million deliveries worldwide. Their zero-emission robots are capable of operating in various weather conditions, including rain and snow, and make more than 140,000 road crossings daily.
The addition of robotic delivery at ODU reflects a growing trend in higher education toward smart campus solutions that emphasize convenience, sustainability, and safety. This new amenity is expected to reduce wait times, improve dining access across campus, and enhance overall student satisfaction.
