ROCK HILL, SOUTH CAROLINA – If you’ve noticed some little robots moving around on campus, don’t worry; we’re not filming a sci-fi movie! Winthrop University’s Dining Services has officially launched a unit of Kiwibot robots, a new meal delivery system now available to the campus community.
The fleet of 15 robots operating on campus can deliver food from:
*Simply-To-Go, Triple G's, The Crust, and bottled drinks and snacks in Markley’s; and
*Two ghost kitchens: Mr. Beast and Mariah’s Cookies.
“We’re looking forward to offering this new service to our community on campus,” said Helen Hoban, Dining Services general manager. “No matter if you are a student living in a residence hall or faculty/staff member working late in your office, these Kiwibots will deliver to you. In addition to being a fun and convenient way to get your food delivered, they are eco-friendly and cute!”
How Do I Order?
Orders can be placed through the pre-populated menus on Sodexo’s new mobile app, Everyday, and users will be given a pickup time and a link so they can follow the robot’s location in real time. The map on the app will show users where their Kiwibot is, and they’ll receive a notification when their order is at their building’s door.
Can I Use Café Cash and Eagle Bucks?
Eagle Bucks and credit/debit cards are accepted at all locations. Cafe Cash is accepted at some.
Is There a Delivery Fee?
Each delivery costs $3. However, users can subscribe to save on that delivery fee:
*Silver Subscription: Save $30 with the Silver subscription of 15 deliveries at $40/semester
*Gold Subscription: Save $90 with the Gold subscription of 45 deliveries at $109/semester
*Platinum Subscription: Save $135 with the Platinum subscription of 70 deliveries at $159/semester
For more information on Dining Services options, visit winthrop.sodexomyway.com.
Dining Services Updates from Sodexo
*The Grill is now called Triple G's (Garnet & Gold Grill).
*Markley’s has begun serving pizza at a location called The Crust.
*Tres Habaneros is now Flipp It!, which will flip between lunch and dinner as well as different cuisine options.
*Local juice bar/coffee shop Fresh Vibes has opened a location in Markley’s.
About Kiwibot
Founded in 2017 as a robotic sidewalk delivery startup, the emission-free Kiwibot delivers fresh food via locked compartments that only the recipient can open. The Kiwibot route has been mapped for Winthrop’s campus. To ensure safe operations on campus, Kiwibot relies on the most advanced technology and a semi-autonomous driving system. The robots create a virtual visualization of the world in real-time, using high-tech sensors, reflective flags, night lights and Light Detecting and Ranging (LiDAR) capabilities. If additional assistance is needed, there are human supervisors on watch and an on-site team to count on.
“Kiwibots will bring joy to everyone on campus,” said John Tarin, head of global operations at Kiwibot. “This service allows students, faculty and staff to not only invest their time more productively but also to merge into robotics.”
For more information, please contact Nicole Chisari, social media manager, at chisarin@winthrop.edu or call 803/323-2236.
