PepsiCo and Hello Goodness debut snack-delivering robots
- Friday, January 4th, 2019
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PepsiCo has partnered with Robby Technologies to debut new self-driving robots called snackbots, which will deliver a range of Hello Goodness snacks and beverages to college students at the University of the Pacific. Hello Goodness, which is owned by PepsiCo, offers better-for-you alternatives to what would normally be unhealthy snack and drink options.
The Hello Goodness robot’s inventory consists of Smartfood Delight, Baked Lays, SunChips, Pure Leaf Tea, bubly, LIFEWTR, Starbucks Cold Brew, and more. Students at the California university can use the robots by downloading the corresponding iOS app, which requires a University of the Pacific email address to register. Once downloaded, students can summon the robot to their location on campus, choose snacks, and pay, all from their mobile devices.
“Were thrilled to launch our Hello Goodness autonomous delivery snackbots and reimagine college snacking for the future,” said Scott Finlow, vice president of innovation and insights, PepsiCo Foodservice. “PepsiCo has a unique opportunity to better serve todays ambitious college students, by joining together the power of the Hello Goodness portfolio with our expertise in design and equipment innovation.”
The snackbots have a built-in GPS and navigation system that can lead them to 50 designated areas across the university’s 175-acre campus and can travel up to 20 miles on a single charge. The robots are also equipped with a camera, headlights, and all-wheel drive for easier travel in changing weather and terrain.
Although the snackbots are currently only available to University of the Pacific students, PepsiCo aims to deliver 50,000 Hello Goodness touchpoints by the end of 2019, using vending solutions like the bots.
“Were thrilled to welcome snackbot to our campus, along with its convenient and nourishing options,” said Matt Camino, director of e-commerce at University of the Pacific Stockton. “This innovative technology from PepsiCo is enhancing campus life for our students, staff and faculty alike, who have embraced this new way of snacking from PepsiCo.”