Florida Polytechnic University has partnered with Starship Technologies to launch an autonomous food delivery service on its campus, marking the first integration of Starship's new point-of-sale system in the United States. The service, managed by Chartwells Higher Education Dining Services, initially delivers from Einstein Bros. Bagels, Mosaic Café, and Fire & Ash, with plans to expand.
Key takeaways
- Zero-emission robots use machine learning, AI, and sensors to navigate sidewalks, cross streets, climb curbs, and operate in rain, with computer vision mapping to the nearest inch.
- The integrated point-of-sale system manages in-person orders alongside robot delivery, mobile pick-up, and touchscreen kiosks, part of Starship's 360 platform.
- Customers order via the Starship app, customize menu items, track delivery in real time, and unlock their order upon arrival. Meal plans, including Phoenix Funds and meal exchanges, are supported.
This deployment demonstrates how campus dining can be rethought with flexible, connected automation, offering a model for other institutions and commercial settings seeking to integrate last-mile delivery with existing food service operations.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2026-03-31 · “Florida Polytechnic University partners with Starship Technologies for nation’s ‘first point-of-sale integration’”