On Tuesday, Jan. 22, Starship Technologies and global food and facilities management services provider Sodexo Inc. launched a robot food delivery service at George Mason University’s campus in Fairfax, Virginia.

The service will allow George Mason’s 40,000 students, faculty and staff to order food and drinks that can be delivered anywhere on campus, within minutes, via Starship's robots.

Some of the initial retailers participating in the service include Blaze Pizza, Starbucks, and Dunkin’, with more retailers expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Students and teachers have little free time as it is, so there is a convenience for them to have their food, groceries and packages delivered to them,” explains Ryan Tuohy, SVP, business development, Starship Technologies.

“Our goal is to make life easier, whether that means skipping the line, eating lunch on the lawn rather than in the cafe, or finding the time to eat better when studying for exams.”

The delivery process starts when users open the Starship Deliveries app and select what they want from a variety of food or drink items. After choosing their desired items, users drop a pin where they want their delivery to be sent.

Using an interactive map, users can then watch as the robot makes its journey to them, and once the robot arrives, they receive an alert, and can then meet and unlock it through the app. Each on-demand delivery costs just $1.99.

The entire delivery usually takes 15 minutes or less, depending on the menu items ordered and the distance the robot has to travel. Each robot is capable of carrying up to 20 pounds, which is the equivalent of approximately three shopping bags of goods, Starship says.

“Being able to get food delivered to me within minutes is going to be fun and convenient,” says Mason student Jenna Dayton.

“The lines can get long in between classes, and once you get a table at the library, you don’t want to give it up. Not only will this make my life easier as a student, but I’m going to get a visit from a robot!”

As of Jan. 22, the fleet on George Mason’s campus included more than 25 robots, making this initiative the “largest implementation of autonomous robot food delivery services on a university campus,” according to Starship. Starship adds that the initiative is representative of Sodexo’s next-generation technology portfolio for the College and University Market.

Another benefit of the service is that it works in conjunction with student meal plans.

“We’re excited that our students, faculty and staff get to be at the forefront of this pioneering campus food delivery service,” says Mark Kraner, executive director for campus retail operations at George Mason University.

“This will enhance life for everyone at the University, and that’s something we’re continuously looking to build upon. Our commitment to providing an optimal campus experience is one of the things that distinguishes George Mason University as a place where everyone can thrive.”