Tradition, Meet Tech: Why K-State is "Doing the Wabash" with Bear Robotics

At Bear Robotics, we don't believe in technology for the sake of technology. We believe in Physical AI—intelligent robotics that solve real problems in the real world.

That’s why our latest deployment at Kansas State University is one for the books. Inside Justin Hall, at Lacy’s Fresh Fare and Catering, a Bear Robotics Servi Plus robot, affectionately dubbed the “Wabash Cannonbot”, is officially on the roster.

This isn't just a robot in a dining room; it’s a shift in how the next generation of hospitality leaders is being built.

The "Wabash" Factor: Tech with a Soul

In 1968, a fire nearly leveled K-State’s music department. The only sheet music to survive? The Wabash Cannonball. Since then, that song has been the university’s anthem of resilience.

By naming our Servi Plus the “Wabash Cannonbot” and programming it to play the fight song as it delivers orders, K-State has done something brilliant: they’ve turned a high-tech tool into a campus icon. This is the blueprint for the future—robots shouldn't be cold or clinical; they should reflect the culture of the spaces they serve.

The Lab for What’s Next

Supported by a USDA grant, this partnership turns a campus restaurant into a living laboratory. Students in the food production management class aren't just learning how to run a kitchen; they are learning to command a hybrid workforce.

• The Workflow: Servi handles the heavy lifting by running 60lb trays and navigating tight corners while students focus on high-touch guest engagement.

• The Education: Before they even graduate, these Wildcats are mastering the orchestration of autonomous fleets. They aren't just entering the industry; they’re ready to lead its transformation.

The Founder’s Perspective

Our mission at Bear Robotics has always been to provide a scalable, open architecture that elevates human work across every sector, from hospitality to healthcare.

“Just as Android revolutionized the smartphone era, standardized open platforms are essential for the activation of the robot market," said John Ha, CEO and co-founder of Bear Robotics.

Go Cats!

The "Wabash Cannonbot" is a testament to what happens when you pair a legendary tradition with world-class engineering. To the students at K-State: The future of service is in your hands (and on our wheels).

Next time you’re in Manhattan, stop by Lacy’s. You’ll hear the song, you’ll see the purple trim, and you’ll see the future of hospitality in motion.

Ready to bring Physical AI to your campus or venue? Let’s talk.