UBER ... FLEETS?
The University of Houston was the first institution in Texas to use robots to deliver food across campus. Almost four years later, they've become an on-campus staple.
By Gabrielle Cottraux

Nearly every university seems to have a collective understanding that its campus critters, be they squirrels or cats, hold a certain air of prestige among their student bodies.
The University of Houston is no exception, though their honorary mascots look a bit different than most.
Almost four years after UH introduced the Starship fleet of 30 six-wheeled, white, rectangular robotic vehicles, the novelty of the new “campus pets” still delights the UH community.
The 30 robots collectively delivered 28,476 orders in 2023.
The 30 robots collectively delivered 28,476 orders in 2023.
These high-performing autonomous marvels average 165 deliveries daily. In 2023, the robots delivered 28,476 food orders, most of which were from McAlister's Deli, Panda Express and Mondo Subs.
“From my office window, I see these robots running around delivering food ... students take photos, talk to them and find them quite amusing,” UH President Renu Khator posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Celebrating the robots’ fourth birthday this year, students and employees are just as eager to receive their food orders from their robot runners. And unlike most campus creatures, these guys have delivered far more treats than they’ve accepted.
The robots most often deliver orders from Mondo Subs, Panda Express and McAlister'd Deli.
The robots most often deliver orders from Mondo Subs, Panda Express and McAlister'd Deli.
