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University of Houston rolls out futuristic food delivery robots

university of houston autonomous delivery robot

UH is the first campus in Texas to roll out robotic food deliveries.

Photo courtesy of University of Houston

For a small delivery fee of $1.99, students, faculty, and staff across the University of Houston campus can now get their lunch delivered by self-driving robots.

Thirty of San Francisco-based Starship Technologies' autonomous delivery robots now roam the campus thanks to a partnership with New York-based Chartwells Higher Education. The Houston campus is the first in Texas to roll out robotic food deliveries.

"This revolutionary delivery method will make it more convenient for the campus community to take advantage of our diverse dining program from anywhere on campus while expanding the hours of operation," says Emily Messa, associate vice president for administration, in a news release. "By opening our campus to this innovative service, which is paid for by the customers, the university didn't have to spend any money purchasing the technology, yet we're enhancing our food delivery capabilities."

Through the Starship Deliveries app, which is available on iOS and Android, users can select from 11 dining institutions and then identify where they are on campus. The platform allows the user to track the progress, and the device can hold up to 20 pounds of food and has the space for about three shopping bags of groceries.

"This increases our capacity to reach more customers, and I expect the robots will quickly become part of campus life," says David Riddle, Chartwells resident district manager, in a news release. (Chartwells manages UH Dining). "Robot delivery will also grow opportunities for UH Dining employees by increasing service hours and growing sales. It has also created additional jobs for students dedicated specifically to servicing the autonomous robots. It's an important advancement for foodservice at UH."

Using machine learning, artificial intelligence and sensors, the company's robots have driven over 350,000 miles and completed over 150,000 deliveries. The Starship robots "can cross streets, climb curbs, travel at night and operate in both rain and snow," per the release.

"Robotic delivery is affordable, convenient and environmentally friendly," says Ryan Tuohy, senior vice president of business development for Starship, in the release. "We're excited to start offering students, staff and faculty at Houston delivery within minutes when they need it most."

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supporting education

RodeoHouston grants $500,000 in vocational scholarships to Texas students

www.unthsc.edu

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The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo greatly expanded its legacy of educational support by adding $500,000 worth of vocational trade scholarships, the organization announced. Its Vocational Scholarships program has now awarded $2.8 million in scholarships since 2015.

“Vocational education plays a critical role in building a strong and sustainable workforce, which is why the Rodeo remains deeply committed to expanding its investment in these programs,” said chairman of the board Pat Mann Phillips, who spearheaded the increase. “We are proud to support these career ready scholars as they pursue opportunities that contribute to industries vital to our communities and the agriculture industry.”

The awards will go to fund 21 different associate degrees or occupational certificate programs in disciplines such as nursing, process technology, and HVAC. One hundred students will receive financial aid for the 2026-2027 school year, with 65 percent of those awards being full-ride scholarships covering tuition, books, and supplies. Students are required to attend Texas-based schools, including Brazosport College, Del Mar College, Houston City College, Lamar Institute of Technology, Lee College, Lone Star College, San Jacinto College, Texas State Technical College, Victoria College, and Wharton County Junior College.

More information on application and distribution can be found here.

Though large, the vocational scholarship program is still just a fraction of the overall educational giving supported by the Rodeo. The total amount awarded for this year alone is $30 million, with $660 million awarded since 1932. Thousands of Texas students have received tuition and other financial support as the Rodeo tries to ensure future employment in rodeo-related fields.

The expansion of the vocational program has been a major goal for Phillips, who became chairman in 2023. It was under her that the program swiftly rose above the $2 million mark, thanks in part to her securing matching funds and support from donors and colleges. She also pioneered a career fair with Workforce Solutions focused on the vocational trades.

“We are seeing continued growth in the demand for skilled professionals across a range of industries,” said Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo president and CEO Chris Boleman. “Investing in vocational education allows us to support students and veterans entering these essential fields while strengthening the workforce for the future.”

houston livestock show and rodeo education