After lower than eight months, Amazon has discontinued the business version of its Astro security robot. GeekWire reported on Wednesday that regardless of being “absolutely dedicated” to its house robotics division, the corporate has discontinued the higher-end mannequin that doubled as a safety guard for areas as giant as 5,000 sq. ft.
Amazon launched Astro for Enterprise in November 2023, pitching it as a office safety robotic. The $2,350 screen-on-wheels had an HD periscope and a tangled net of subscription varieties and tiers, together with Ring Shield Professional, Astro Safety and Digital Safety Guard memberships. Out of the blue, solely lasting about eight months doesn’t sound so shocking.
An Amazon spokesperson informed GeekWire that it hasn’t laid folks off due to Astro for Enterprise’ demise, and the corporate plans to divert sources into its house robotics work. The consumer version of Astro, launched in 2021, continues to be obtainable (invite-only) for $1,600. Panos Panay, the previous Microsoft Surface (and much more) guru, joined the corporate to head up its Devices & Services division final 12 months, which incorporates client robotics work.
Though Astro’s house model isn’t a full-fledged safety guard substitute, it could possibly patrol your property and provide you with a warning if it sees somebody it doesn’t acknowledge or hears breaking glass or alarms. It could possibly additionally do issues of sketchier worth, like comply with you round with music, ship messages to different folks and set timers — most of which will be duplicated by gadgets that value a lot much less.
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