Einstein-Level Technology Meets Einstein Bros. Bagels Thanks to Robot Delivery

Sodexo, Inc. and Starship Technologies have partnered with Einstein Bros. Bagels to bring the tasty and portable breakfast to the Flagstaff campus of Northern Arizona University (NAU), according to an article in QSR. To celebrate the launch of 30 delivery robots on NAU’s campus, Einstein Bros. Bagels is offering “free breakfast for the remainder of the academic year to the NAU student who places the first order via the Starship app,” the article said. At present, the nearly 25,000 NAU students and faculty can use the app for existing local retailers, and the order works in conjunction with their meal plan, the article said.

“This also marks one of the first times that sidewalk delivery robots are operating in Arizona,” according to the article. “The state is one of seven that have approved the operation of delivery robots. The legislation was largely championed by Rep. Kelly Townsend, R-Mesa. Townsend said, ‘Last year I sponsored HB 2422 in an effort to clear the way for personal delivery devices to operate in Arizona. It’s great to see the hard work of many stakeholders come to fruition with the introduction of the robots in Flagstaff. I look forward to this cutting edge technology being implemented to other parts of the state as well,’” the article said.

For restaurant franchises, the steady demand of a younger generation—already primed to expect convenient options like mobile ordering and third-party delivery—could mean a reliable revenue stream for those brands able to roll out similar robo delivery campaigns at or near college campuses.

Read the full article here.