Hungry? An autonomous robot at Missouri S&T could deliver your food on campus

Robots are not uncommon in labs and classrooms on the campus of Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, but this year they are taking to the sidewalks and bringing people food.

“They are very cute. I think they’re adorable,” said Kayla Barrett, a freshman computer science and engineering major from St. Louis, shortly after retrieving a hamburger from one of the delivery robots.

The units are white coolers about the size of a large microwave on six wheels, and they can be seen whizzing along sidewalks and even crossing some streets on campus.

Students, faculty or anyone on campus can order food from university dining services and have it delivered to nearly any location on campus. When the robot arrives, customers tap a few buttons on their phone to unlock the lid, and they can get their food.