Avride has launched autonomous delivery robot service at Salisbury University in Maryland. The deployment, a partnership with Grubhub, places a fleet of 15 robots on campus to deliver meals from on-campus dining locations directly to students and staff.
Highlights
- Avride deployed 15 autonomous delivery robots at Salisbury University through its ongoing partnership with Grubhub.
- Students and employees can order from on-campus restaurants including Chick-fil-A, Hungry Minds, Cool Beans, and Chesapeake Coffee Roasters.
- The robots feature all-weather sealing and navigation algorithms designed for Salisbury’s humid coastal climate, including rain and light snow.
- Additional delivery zones are planned for expansion beyond the initial campus coverage area.
Campus Dining Gets Autonomous Upgrade
The service allows students and university employees to order meals from participating on-campus dining spots. Deliveries arrive at the customer’s location, whether at a dorm or classroom. Avride plans to add more delivery areas over time.
“The time of our campus community is so valuable. We always strive to make their dining options as convenient as possible,” said George Oakley, Salisbury University director of food services. “Through this partnership, we are able to meet our customers where they are–literally.”
Robots Built for Maryland’s Coastal Climate
Salisbury’s location on Maryland’s Eastern Shore brings humidity, rain, and occasional snow. As a result, Avride’s robots incorporate several weather-ready features:
- All-weather sealing to protect internal components from moisture
- Advanced chassis design for reliable operation across varied terrain
- Sophisticated navigation algorithms that maintain delivery schedules in adverse conditions
Expanding University Robotics Partnerships
The Salisbury deployment extends Avride’s collaboration with Grubhub across university campuses. The initial fleet of 15 robots includes a seasonal animation featuring the Sea Gull, Salisbury’s mascot.
Salisbury University is a public institution and member of the University System of Maryland. Founded in 1925, it serves approximately 7,200 students across programs in liberal arts, business, science, education, and health sciences.
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