It used to be considered science fiction to have robots driving around a campus delivering food. And yet, fiction has become reality at the University of Nevada, Reno with Starship Autonomous Delivery Robots.
The robots are incredibly intelligent and convenient. They are deceptively large and can carry up to three bags of groceries. With built in insulation, Starship ensures that foods stay in temperature throughout the ride. With a suite of sensors and cameras, they travel at 4mph and are inherently safe. Starship technology enables them to navigate around objects and people they may come across. Starship also has built in protections to prevent tampering. If someone tries to lift, tip or tamper with the robot, a loud alarm will sound, acting as a deterrent. Each robot is also GPS tracked to the nearest inch, whilst the lid is also locked throughout the delivery journey, protecting the items inside. The Starship app also allows users can track these Robots every step of the way with their smart device.
Beyond just how cool Starship robots are, they are also sustainable! partners with Starship to offer delivery service completely powered by zero carbon electricity. Starship’s revolutionary technology uses rechargeable batteries that provides an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solution, especially compared to automobile delivery.
In 2018 when Starship initially launched, they saved 280,000 car journeys, totaling over 500,000 miles. In those 280,000 journeys, Starships Robots saved 137 tons of CO2 particles from being emitted into the atmosphere. This means that with an average of around 1.8 miles per autonomous journey, Starship Robots save around 1.02 pounds of CO2 particles from being emitted every trip. Starship has now made over 4 million autonomous deliveries, meaning with the effectiveness of zero carbon electricity, Starship has now saved over 2 million tons of CO2 particles from being emitted into the atmosphere. Each trip a robot takes uses as little energy as boiling a pot of coffee. Starship Robots appear to be a win for the Wolf Pack and the planet!
To learn more, and check out their service area on and around UNR.
