Starship Technologies robots operate cautiously at 2 mph on college campuses

The House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee's Regulatory Review Subcommittee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss various regulatory matters, including the deployment of delivery robots on college campuses.

The meeting began with a focus on the operational speed of these robots, specifically those developed by Starship Technologies. Currently, the robots are programmed to reach a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour. However, it was noted that they typically operate at around 2 miles per hour due to the presence of pedestrians and other obstacles on sidewalks.

Committee members discussed the robots' sensitivity to their environment, highlighting their cautious approach, particularly at crossings. The robots are designed to cross streets quickly but only when they detect no obstructions in their path.

The discussion confirmed that these delivery robots are predominantly deployed on college campuses, where their operation is closely monitored to ensure safety and efficiency.

The meeting concluded with an acknowledgment of the need for ongoing evaluation of the robots' performance and safety measures as their use expands in educational settings. Further discussions on regulatory frameworks for such technologies are anticipated in future meetings.