Starship Robots are revolutionizing the local delivery of food and drink.  Rather than relying on car-based trips or delivery trucks, the Robots offer a low-cost and convenient alternative – all while using less energy and emitting zero CO2.

Moreover, for campus residents who are transit dependent or non-ambulatory, the Robots represent a new and cost-effective option.

The process is very simple.  Customers use Starship’s mobile app to order their goods from the Bear’s Den or Crimson Café (We Proudly Serve Starbucks) and select the time and destination for the delivery.  The customer is then notified through the mobile app when their goods are ready for delivery, and can track the movement of the Robot through the mobile app. Once the Robot arrives at its destination, the customer is notified. The customer can then retrieve their goods by unlocking the lid of the Robot by pressing the unique ‘unlock’ button on the Starship mobile app.

Starship’s Robots currently deliver most food and drink available at Bear’s Den or Crimson Café (We Proudly Serve Starbucks).

Absolutely!  Starship Robots are low mass (approx. 65 lbs. without cargo), low speed (4 mph) devices that travel on sidewalks, using proprietary mapping, navigation and sophisticated obstacle avoidance technology.  They are equipped with nine cameras, a sensor suite, radar, time-of-flight capabilities, and are constantly monitored by a remote operator.  The Robots are capable of identifying objects in their vicinity and making the necessary course corrections to avoid them. 

Starship’s Robots have now travelled over 1,000,000 miles in 20 countries and over 100 cities, encountering more than 15 million people.

Accessibility has been a central focus of Starship’s since its founding.  The company is committed to accessibility as it relates to both operations and service.  For example, if a Robot encounters an individual in a wheelchair, the wheelchair is identified using both sonic sensors and computer imaging.  Once the wheelchair is identified, a remote operator is pinged, who can then assist the Robot in steering away from the individual in the wheelchair, as needed.  Simultaneously, the Robot will verbally notify the individual that it is going to move out of the way.

For individuals with visual disabilities, the Robots are programmed to identify and avoid pedestrians.  As previously mentioned, the Robot will stop if an object appears in front of it and slow down if an object is alongside of it.  If a Robot comes to a stop, for any reason, a remote operator is pinged and can immediately take control of the device and navigate it, using low-resolution cameras.

Regarding Starship’s service, the company’s app is fully compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines ("WCAG") 2.0 AA.   Over the past months, Starship has been working to transform its app from the ground up, enhancing accessibility and enabling smoother navigability for the visually impaired.  The company aims to test and improve the new features once the COVID-19 public health emergency subsides, including the labelling of all elements for VoiceOver.  Starship has also created Predefined Pickup Spots, which will soon work with voice control in the app, enabling visually impaired customers to order food to a fixed location.

Starship's website also features a number of testimonials by individuals with disabilities who utilise the company's service. www.starship.xyz/accessibility/

No.

Starship’s Robots are always under the control of a Starship Robot operator.  They cannot be used without the consent and knowledge of the company.  In fact, only Bridgewater Dining, which has a contractual relationship with Starship, will be able to offer Robot services on campus.  Importantly, Bridgewater Dining has no operational control over the Robots.  Starship’s software and operators guide the devices – no one else!  Individuals will not “own” or “control” their own Robot.

In addition, the cargo bay of each Robot is locked and secured during transport.  Only individuals, who are known to the company, will be able to receive, open, and return Robots with the use of their mobile technology.  As mentioned above, Robots are constantly monitored and equipped with cameras and two-way audio communication systems.  Any improper conduct will be detected immediately.

Starship never shares customer information and does not store such information on its Robots.  Although the Robots are equipped with 9 cameras, Starship minimises the amount of information that it collects. 

Starship operators and Bridgewater Dining team members clean the Robots before and after every delivery, with an emphasis on high areas of touching.  Moreover, all persons touching the Robots are required to wear gloves.  Every evening the Robots undergo additional cleaning protocols, including a thorough cleaning of the lid handle and a careful cleaning of the Robot’s thermal bags. 

It is worth noting that Starship's cleaning procedures were reviewed by the Arizona State University Environmental Health and Safety Biosafety Department to ensure that they meet current COVID-19 guidance.

In addition to the UK, Germany, Denmark, and Estonia, Starship Technologies is operating in several locations around the United States, including Flagstaff, Arizona; Tempe, Arizona; Irvine, California;  Modesto, California; Mountain View, California; Statesboro, Georgia; West Lafayette, Indiana; Oxford, Mississippi; Bowling Green, Ohio; Corvallis, Oregon; Houston, Texas; Richardson, Texas; Fairfax, Virginia; Harrisonburg, Virginia; and Madison, Wisconsin.

To date, Starship Technologies’ Robots have completed more than 1,000,000 commercial deliveries and reduced CO2 emissions by hundreds of metric tons.

Please reach out to the Starship customer service hotline found within the Starship app. As Bridgewater Dining does not control the robots or maintain the ordering platform, we are unable to make adjustments to your order, aid in the location of a robot, or disperse refunds.