Survey shows Gen Z embracing autonomous delivery technology, with robots completing over 1.2 million orders and traveling equivalent of nearly 6 trips to the moon in 2025
[SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 27, 2026] – Starship, the world’s leading sidewalk autonomous delivery company, today released the results from its 2025 Campus User Survey conducted among 5,000 students across 65 U.S. college campuses. The data reveals more than just high usage; it shows a generational shift in how humans coexist with autonomous helpers. 97% of students shared that they “love” or “like” the robots, showing one of the highest approval ratings for any AI-powered technology.
Beyond practicality, the robots have become an unexpected public-health intervention on college campuses: they help students eat more regularly, avoid unsafe late-night walks, manage stress and illness, and access meals despite mobility or social-anxiety challenges. Nearly 40% of students say delivery robots improve food accessibility, while one in four report feeling safer using contactless delivery, particularly during late-night study sessions or poor weather. Students also cite reduced stress around meal access when sick, injured, or overwhelmed during exam periods.
The robots have become an essential part of everyday life in the U.S., completing almost 7 million orders and traveling nearly 8 million miles across US campuses since 2019. In 2025, they completed 1.5 million miles on U.S. campuses (nearly six trips to the moon) reliably delivering in rain, snow and freezing temperatures.
Similar to last year’s survey results, over half of those surveyed said they can study more effectively (54%), avoid skipping meals (60%), and save time (51%). They’re also beloved fixtures, with nearly three-quarters (72%) describing them as “friendly/cute” and two thirds (65%) reporting their opinion became “more positive since seeing or using them”. Students name, help, and treat the robots like mascots. The results show that autonomous technology is as much about culture, as it is about technology.
“Starship delivery robots have been extremely helpful on campus,” Amelia Ott, a junior at Purdue University. “Whether I’m studying late, or rushing between classes, they’re an easy, reliable way to get meals. The robots are always on time and can navigate through any terrain or bad weather. They’ve become part of everyday campus life and are fun to see around campus too.”
“Campuses have long been the birthplace of the world’s most transformative ideas, and today they’re once again leading the way. What began as a convenient delivery option has grown into a new social standard,” said Ahti Heinla, co-founder and CEO. “This generation is proving that autonomous technology can coexist in our human communities, redefining the future of urban cities. We’re showing the world that it’s fully automated and frictionless.”
A leader in sidewalk autonomous delivery, Starship dominates the university space with operations on 65 U.S. campuses and plans to expand further in 2026. The company continues to be a staple on campuses and in cities across the globe, making delivery robots a commonality rather than a novelty you see on a campus tour or on a vacation.
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About Starship
Founded in 2014 by Ahti Heinla (chief architect of Skype) and Janus Friis (co-founder of Skype), Starship Technologies is the world’s #1 autonomous delivery company. The company raised $50 million in funding in October 2025, bringing total funding to over $280 million. With 9+ million deliveries completed and 2,700+ robots operating across 270+ locations in seven countries, Starship has built the largest autonomous delivery network globally.
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