Welcome the Jamba by Blendid robot to campus by naming it
Photo by Diego Alva
Opening to the UCLA community on Sept. 12, the Jamba by Blendid naming contest will be an annual ASUCLA event for UCLA students, staff and faculty to personalize the robot each fall.
Los Angeles, Calif., Sept. 1, 2022 – Calling all UCLA students, faculty and staff: Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) needs you to name the newest addition to the campus family for the 2022-2023 academic year! An autonomous smoothie-making bot, Jamba by Blendid opened on Aug. 1 and has become a favorite among Bruins, but has remained nameless since.
As the robot utilizes artificial intelligence, machine learning and the power of robotics to remember Bruins’ customized blends, it is only appropriate to give Bruins a chance to personalize the bot themselves as a true member of the UCLA community. And to accommodate the voices of future Bruins down the line, the naming contest will be an annual event to reflect the present-year consensus.
“We’ve gotten many inquiries about the robot’s name, so we’ve decided to run a fun, interactive annual naming contest where UCLA students, staff and faculty will be able to submit a name for the Jamba by Blendid bot each year,” Ari Baron, ASUCLA Marketing director, said.
To participate in the naming contest, follow @asucla on Instagram and comment on the Sept. 12 contest post to enter name submissions. Comment entries will be accepted between Sept. 12-14, closing on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Following, the top 10 names will be presented to the Bruin community between Sept. 16-18 via the ASUCLA Instagram for a final vote on the robot’s official name.
Once votes are tallied up, the Jamba by Blendid robot will officially introduce itself on Monday, Sept. 19, by proudly sporting its new title to smoothie-lovers every day following until the contest resumes next fall.
“We love how enthusiastic campus is for the robot; we can’t wait to see what the community names it,” Baron said.
Follow @asucla on Instagram to participate in the contest by Sept. 14 for a chance to name the Jamba by Blendid robot!
About ASUCLA:
Founded in 1919, Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) is a nonprofit association that drives vitally essential student services and activities throughout the UCLA campus. ASUCLA boasts the largest college store in the U.S., an extensive food program, UCLA® brand licensing programming through UCLA Trademarks & Licensing, and other services and programs that include student government and student media, which significantly enhances the quality of UCLA’s campus life. For more information and to stay connected, follow @asucla on Instagram or visit asucla.ucla.edu.