According to reports, Amazon has decided to terminate its Astro robot project for business users. The project was originally intended to allow businesses to use Amazon's Astro home robots to monitor their facilities, but it has now been prematurely discontinued less than a year after its launch. Amazon has sent an email to customers announcing this decision and stating that the robots sold through the Astro for Business project will cease operation later this year, with refunds being processed for customers.
Astro robot was introduced in 2021 as a consumer smart home product. This robot is equipped with a pair of wheels, allowing it to navigate freely in users' homes and carry items weighing up to 4.4 pounds in its built-in cargo bin. Its integrated Alexa smart display provides users with convenient access to applications. Astro is also equipped with various built-in sensors that can automatically identify and avoid obstacles in its path. The most notable feature is the periscope camera located above the smart display, which can extend to a height of about 40 inches, providing a wide field of view. In addition, Astro has sound detection capabilities to recognize abnormal sounds such as glass breaking or smoke alarms.
In November last year, Amazon launched the Astro for Business project, aiming to apply the sensor technology of Astro robots to monitoring tasks in commercial facilities, primarily targeting small and medium-sized enterprises. Business users can purchase an Astro robot for $2,350 to patrol an area of up to 5,000 square feet. To further enhance the user experience, Amazon also introduced three additional subscription services: Astro Secure, Ring Protect Pro, and Virtual Security Service. Astro Secure allows users to set patrol routes for the robot and customize patrol frequencies, while sending alerts when abnormal sounds are detected. Ring Protect Pro enables seamless integration of Astro with motion sensors and door/window sensors in the facility. The Virtual Security Service allows remote login to Astro by human agents, guiding it to the triggered alarm points for inspection.
However, in an internal memo, Amazon's Vice President of Devices, Lindo St. Angel, stated, "I am increasingly convinced that the progress we have made in the field of home robots should be the focus of our resources. Therefore, we have decided to stop the Astro for Business project in order to concentrate all our efforts on creating better consumer-grade home robots." This decision means the end of the Astro for Business project.
According to Amazon, all robots sold through the Astro for Business project will cease operation starting from September 25th. The company promises to refund the cost of purchasing Astro devices and any prepaid subscription fees. These robots will also be eligible for Amazon's free electronic product recycling program. In addition, Amazon will provide affected Astro for Business customers with a $300 credit to support them in finding alternative solutions and invite them to join the early access program for the consumer version of Astro.
