Gabriel Corbin
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — A new food-delivery system, using small autonomous robots, has come to Winthrop University, which have many students curious and concerned about the purpose of the new devices.

Founded at the University of California at Berkeley, the Kiwibots have spread to other colleges across the U.S. to deliver food around campus to students.

The Kiwibots are also known for the digital facial expressions that many have described as “cute.”

“I love walking past them and them giving little heart eyes or looking at each other and giving them little heart eyes. I just think that’s my favorite thing to see,” said Blair Coleman, a Winthrop sophomore.

A number of Winthrop students have seen the Kiwibots, interacted with them and then posted about the experience on social media.

“They are adorable and efficient,” said freshman Georgia Gosselin. “They get whatever is ordered to wherever they need to be.”

There are multiple subscription services, with the cheapest subscription costing $30. The Silver subscription includes 15 deliveries for $40 a semester and the most expensive plan includes 70 deliveries for $159 per semester.

The deliveries are only available for students who currently live on campus.

“I think they’ll become more popular,” freshman Hunter Russell said. “A lot of people don’t like leaving their spots for food and want to order it.”

However, some students are skeptical about the need for the service.

For example, Rose Seidl, a Winthrop junior, said the price seems expensive. “I don’t think I would buy from them, but I do think they are a convenient way to get food,” Seidl said

“I am a little confused why we have six of them. I feel like it’s a bit of a waste of money,” said Carolina Collins, a Winthrop freshman.

“I think they are convenient, but they are kind of scary,” junior Kelsey Jenkins said.  “Something about them just, I don’t know. I don’t like robots, but they are convenient.”

The Kiwibots were just introduced at Winthrop in early September, so it’s likely too early to tell how well received the delivery service will become among students.