Expanding Robot Delivery Services: Starship Technologies Seeks Agreement from City of Moscow

Starship Technologies, the company behind the small food delivery robots seen on the University of Idaho campus, is looking to expand their services area off campus with the approval of a license agreement from the city of Moscow. If the agreement is approved, 15 robots currently serving the UI campus would increase to 30.

Customers can order food and drinks from restaurants on campus with an app and the robots will deliver them. The robots weigh approximately 75 pounds without cargo, travel at a maximum of 10 mph, and are equipped with cameras, radar, and a remote operator. This will allow customers to unlock the robot’s lid using their app and retrieve their goods.

The Moscow Administrative Committee will discuss this matter at a Monday meeting and if approved, it is unknown when the new robots will be deployed. According to the draft of the agreement with the city, the robots must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles and have a 24-hour hotline to field complaints and requests for removal of the devices.