News

Pepsico ‘snackbot’ delivers snacks via self-driving vehicles

January 7, 2019

Pepsico, in partnership with Robby Technologies, has introduced snackbot, a self-driving robot that brings snacks and beverages from Hello Goodness, a portfolio of Pepsico better-for-you brands, to students at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

The snackbot will deliver snacks from 9  a.m. to 5 p.m. at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California.

The Hello Goodness choices include Smartfood Delight, Baked Lay's, Sunchips, Pure Leaf Tea, bubly, Lifewtr and Starbucks Cold Brew, according to a press release.

"We're thrilled to launch our Hello Goodness autonomous delivery snackbots and reimagine college snacking for the future," Scott Finlow, vice president of innovation and insights at Pepsico Foodservice, said in the release. "Pepsico has a unique opportunity to better serve today's ambitious college students by joining together the power of the Hello Goodness portfolio with our expertise in design and equipment innovation."

Building on the initial successes of its Hello Goodness vending platform, Pepsico has expanded the idea of curated convenience into new formats, locations and experiences to deliver 50,000 touchpoints by the end of the year, the company said. 

"We're thrilled to welcome snackbot to our campus, along with its convenient and nourishing options," said Matt Camino, director of e-commerce at the University of the Pacific in 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."

The University of Pacific community can now order food and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via the snackbot app, to be delivered to more than 50 designated areas across the 175-acre campus.

The bots have a range of more than 20 miles on a single charge, and are equipped with camera and headlights that allow them to see and navigate in full darkness or rain, as well as with all-wheel drive capabilities that enable them to handle curbs and steep hills.

The ordering app is available for iOS with a University of the Pacific email address.

Image courtesy of Pepsico Foodservice