We've seen many trends in the food industry during the pandemic. One service on the rise at Oregon State University is delivery robots.
We went to Corvallis to see how the program has evolved.
"Strictly right now, we're partnered with 28 restaurants here on OSU campus," says Scott McKirdy, the Operation Site Lead with OSU.
McKirdy oversees the robots roaming all over the campus, which looks like something we'd see only in the distant future.
They're called the Starship delivery robots. And the demand for them is high.
"It's always fluctuating,” McKirdy says. “Campus involvement is crazy high right now. So, we're constantly pushing out orders and using our system. And we're very grateful to the students here on campus that have really accepted us with open arms. They've really welcomed our service here to OSU."
No matter where you go on campus, dozens of robots are rolling around everywhere.
McKirdy says the majority of the time you see them is when they're out providing delivery services.
He says they were a big hit for students during quarantine since they provide contactless delivery.
He says OSU is the only university in Oregon to have these science phenoms.
Using them is a lot like requesting a rideshare.
With the Starship Delivery App on your phone, you can request delivery and submit your address.
The robots come with the right equipment to keep your food hot or cold and cup holders for drinks - all within their top compartment.
Food delivery is open from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and tips are not needed.
McKirdy says every now and then the robots have issues like freezing or even going to the wrong location. But they're working to fix any bugs that pop up.