Avride was created in 2017 and is one of the innovators in robot delivery and autonomous driving (having deployed the first autonomous taxi in Europe without a driver!). In an announcement Thursday with Grubhub, Dmitry Polishchuk, CEO of Avride said, "Our robots have already proven their value in campus environments, delivering convenience and delight to students."
The robots, having first showed up during the pandemic and offering a no contact delivery option, offer a spacious compartment that delivers everything from wings to pizza or beer (over 21 only). Each robot features a large LED panel which is customizable for specific college campuses. Keeping the delivery robot to a limited area, like a campus, allows it to be tested in a multitude of environments. Testing how its sensors perform in a densely populated area when classes let out, or in rain or snow, gives the company plenty of information to fine tune their product.
Grubhub's aim is to offer campus specific delivery services in as many US states as possible. Partnering with Avride seems to make a great deal of sense.