97% of College Students Love Campus Delivery Robots

Small six-wheeled robots rolling across college campuses have won over nearly every student who's met them. A new survey found that 97% of college students either "like" or "love" the autonomous delivery robots now serving 65 U.S. campuses.

Starship Technologies surveyed 5,000 students and discovered something remarkable: young people aren't just tolerating robots in their daily lives. They're naming them, helping them navigate obstacles, and treating them like campus mascots.

The numbers tell a powerful story. Since 2019, these sidewalk robots have completed nearly 7 million deliveries across U.S. campuses, traveling 8 million miles through rain, snow, and freezing temperatures. In 2025 alone, they logged 1.5 million miles—nearly six round trips to the moon.

Students call them "friendly" and "cute," and 65% say their opinion of the robots improved after seeing or using them. Oregon State University now processes 265,000 robot deliveries annually, making it one of the largest deployments in the country.

But the real impact goes beyond convenience. Students report that these robots help them eat more regularly, avoid unsafe late-night walks, and manage stress during exam periods. Nearly 40% say the robots improve food accessibility, while one in four feel safer using contactless delivery during late-night study sessions.

For students dealing with illness, injury, mobility challenges, or social anxiety, the robots provide a lifeline. Over half of surveyed students say they can study more effectively (54%) and avoid skipping meals (60%) thanks to reliable robot deliveries.

The Ripple Effect

What's happening on college campuses could reshape how cities work. Generation Z is proving that humans and autonomous helpers can share sidewalks successfully, setting a template for urban areas worldwide.

Founded by Skype's former chief architect, Starship has now completed over 9 million deliveries globally with 2,700 robots operating across seven countries. The company recently raised $50 million, bringing total funding to $280 million as it prepares to expand to more campuses in 2026.

Amelia Ott, a junior at Purdue University, captures the sentiment perfectly: "Whether I'm studying late or rushing between classes, they're an easy, reliable way to get meals. They've become part of everyday campus life."

College campuses have always been where the future gets tested first, and right now, that future includes six-wheeled companions that students actually want around.