Delivery robots are quickly becoming a familiar sight on U.S. college campuses, as students adjust to new technology integrated into daily life. With the spread of Starship Technologies’ autonomous robots, campus culture evolves, blending convenience with a unique social dynamic. The robots, once a novelty, now support student routines and initiate conversations about the intersection of human communities and autonomous systems.
Surveys conducted in previous years showed strong student interest in autonomous delivery, but this recent study presents record-high approval for Starship robots compared to initial pilot programs. Initial responses from early campus deployments were based on curiosity and trial, while now, attitudes emphasize acceptance and habitual use. The steady year-over-year increase suggests students have not only maintained positive impressions but also integrated these robots more deeply into everyday experiences, outpacing earlier projections of adoption rates.
Why Do Students Favor Starship’s Campus Robots?
Starship Technologies’ 2025 Campus User Survey involved 5,000 students from 65 U.S. colleges, with 95% indicating they “like” or “love” the delivery robots. Students frequently describe the robots as approachable, reporting that direct exposure has softened initial skepticism. Over a third encountered this technology for the first time on campus, marking a pattern of early adoption among Generation Z. The company credits these findings as evidence of shifting perspectives on autonomous technology’s place in shared human environments.
“Campuses have long been the birthplace of the world’s most transformative ideas, and today they’re once again leading the way,”
said Ahti Heinla, Starship’s co-founder and CEO.
How Have Delivery Robots Affected Daily Campus Life?
Beyond rapid delivery, robots contribute to campus well-being by offering contactless food access and supporting healthy routines, particularly during busy or late-night hours. Nearly 40% of students say robots improve meal accessibility, while 25% appreciate the added safety, especially during late studies or adverse weather. Surveys reflect that students now rely on this technology for everyday needs, from saving time to reducing stress linked to food access. The robots often become part of campus culture, with students naming and interacting with them beyond their functional role.
Can These Robots Influence Wider Urban Adoption?
Starship reports its fleet has completed over 9 million deliveries using more than 2,700 robots operating in over 270 locations, across seven countries. The company’s efforts are fueled by recent funding, including $50 million raised in October 2025. Growth on campuses may act as a testing ground for broader urban integration. Heinla expressed confidence in societal impact, stating,
“This generation is proving that autonomous technology can coexist in our human communities, redefining the future of urban cities.”
With plans for expansion in 2026, Starship aims to increase its presence both within and beyond educational settings.
The widespread acceptance of Starship’s robots among students not only highlights a shift in attitudes toward automation but also signals emerging trends in the interaction between people and machines in public spaces. The survey’s high approval rates, particularly among newer users, suggest that cultural adaptation outpaces initial expectations. For campus administrators, this acceptance could shape future service decisions and even influence infrastructure planning. For students, these robots offer more than convenience—they represent a blend of tradition and innovation in campus life, reflecting both the challenges and opportunities of integrating autonomous assistants. As similar technologies expand to cities, understanding campus experiences can offer a roadmap for successful adoption elsewhere.
