Assessing the Implementation and Student Satisfaction of Intelligent Canteen Systems in Chinese Universities: A Nationwide Survey

The rapid integration of intelligent technologies into campus dining represents a significant shift in Chinese higher education service delivery.This nationwide survey study investigates the current implementation status and student satisfaction levels with Intelligent Canteen Systems (ICS) across Chinese universities.Data was systematically collected from a diverse sample of universities spanning multiple regions, encompassing assessments of technological infrastructure (e.g., AI ordering, automated payment, smart logistics), equipment deployment, and the digitization of service processes.Concurrently, comprehensive student satisfaction surveys evaluated perceptions of efficiency, convenience, food quality, variety, cost-effectiveness, and overall user experience within these smart dining environments.Findings reveal a varied landscape of ICS adoption, with significant disparities in technological maturity and process integration between institutions.While aspects like transaction speed and order accuracy generally received positive feedback, concerns persist regarding system reliability during peak times, limited healthy/customizable options, and technical accessibility barriers.The analysis demonstrates a clear correlation between the comprehensiveness of system implementation (particularly in seamless process integration and user-centric design) and heightened student satisfaction.This research provides crucial empirical evidence for university administrators and technology providers, highlighting both the achieved benefits and critical areas needing refinement to optimize the smart campus dining experience in China.