Robots roam BGSU as part of incoming food delivery service

(WTVG)
Published: Feb. 20, 2020 at 9:37 PM EST
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It's an otherworldly sight on BGSU's campus, and it's raising lots of questions.

“Where did it come from?,” a group of freshman said about a small, white robot on campus. “We don’t know where it came from."

Over the past few days, students said they've seen robots crawling around, and they even stop to talk.

"Hello. I'm a Starship delivery robot," a robot said to a 13abc crew.

The mini-robot's maker, Starship, was tight-lipped about the presence on campus. According to the company's website, the self-driving bots specialize in food and package delivery. Starship said it plans to expand the service to 100 college campuses, like BGSU, by 2021.

The university also didn't say much about the machines but did release a statement that reads in part: "BGSU is excited to be preparing to launch robotic food delivery service on our Bowling Green Campus. The Starship Robots are currently mapping the campus in preparation."

While the six-wheeled robots are catching student's eyes, they're also intriguing reporters alike.

"It really did kind of feel like a Star Wars moment," Sentinel-Tribune reporter Roger LaPointe said.

LaPointe did a

Thursday after he noticed one cruising along a sidewalk off Wooster Street.

"It seemed like a very human interaction, and yet there was no human there," LaPointe said.

While they're unusual, the robots mean no harm, and students said they're eager to use them.

"It will be very convenient for it to come to my door and me not have to go outside to get my food," Stahl said.

At this point, it's unclear when BGSU plans to officially launch the robotic delivery service. 13abc will be sure to let you know when it happens.