Students have rapidly accepted delivery robots on campus. Source: Jessica Foster, Starship Technologies
While it may not be surprising that Generation Z is open to new technology, a survey of 5,000 students across 65 U.S. college campuses found that 95% “like” or “love” delivery robots from Starship Technologies Inc. The company called this a “generational shift in how humans coexist with autonomous helpers.”
“Campuses have long been the birthplace of the world’s most transformative ideas, and today they’re once again leading the way,” said Ahti Heinla, co-founder and CEO of Starship. “What began as a convenient delivery option has grown into a new social standard”
“This generation is proving that autonomous technology can coexist in our human communities, redefining the future of urban cities,” he stated. “We’re showing the world that it’s fully automated and frictionless.”
Founded in 2014 by Heinla, former chief architect of Skype,and Janus Friis, co-founder of Skype, Starship claimed to be the world’s No. 1 autonomous delivery company. It said it has completed more than 9 million deliveries and operates over 2,700 robots across 270+ locations in seven countries.
Starship raised $50 million in funding in October 2025, bringing its total funding to more than $280 million.
Familiarity with robots builds campus acceptance
Starship said the results from its 2025 Campus User Survey showed robots receiving one of the highest approval ratings for any AI-powered technology. In addition, 33% of students said they experienced the technology for the first time, which the company said suggested an “early adopter” mindset.
A delivery robot at the Northern Arizona University campus. Source: Jessica Foster, Starship
“The robots have become an essential part of everyday life in the U.S., completing almost 7 million orders and traveling nearly 8 million miles across U.S. campuses since 2019,” the company said. “In 2025, they completed 1.5 million miles on U.S. campuses — nearly six trips to the moon — reliably delivering in rain, snow, and freezing temperatures.”
Almost three-quarters (72%) of the survey respondents described Starship’s robots as “friendly/cute,” and two thirds (65%) reported that their opinions became “more positive since seeing or using them.”
Students often name, help, and treat the robots like mascots, said the company. It asserted that the survey results show that autonomous technology is as much about culture as it is about technology.
Oregon State has one of the largest Starship deployments, with 265,000 orders in 2025 and 1.2 million orders total since launch.
Starship touts benefits to student health, studies
Beyond practicality, the sidewalk robots have delivered unexpected health benefits on college campuses, noted Starship. They can help students eat more regularly, avoid unsafe late-night walks, manage stress and illness, and access meals despite mobility or social-anxiety challenges.
Nearly 40% of students surveyed said delivery robots improve food accessibility, while 1 in 4 reported feeling safer using contactless delivery, particularly during late-night study sessions or poor weather. Students also cited reduced stress around meal access when sick, injured, or overwhelmed during exam periods.
Similar to last year’s survey results, over half of those surveyed said they can study more effectively (54%), avoid skipping meals (60%), and save time (51%).
“Starship delivery robots have been extremely helpful on campus,” said Amelia Ott, a junior at Purdue University. “Whether I’m studying late, or rushing between classes, they’re an easy, reliable way to get meals. The robots are always on time and can navigate through any terrain or bad weather. They’ve become part of everyday campus life and are fun to see around campus too.”
Starship operates on 65 U.S. campuses and plans to expand further in 2026. The San Francisco-based company said its delivery robots are becoming a common sight on campuses and cities around the world rather than a novelty.
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