Amazon.com has announced that it is discontinuing its security robot, Astro for Business, for small- and medium-sized businesses as it shifts focus to household robotics products. The company initially launched the canine-like robot for household use in 2021 and introduced Astro for Business last November for a range of customers including retail, manufacturing, health, and wellness.
Astro for Business was available in the U.S. at a price of $2,349.99 and was designed to enable customers to constantly surveil their businesses, even after working hours. However, Amazon has announced that the robots will no longer function starting on Sept. 25, according to an email sent to customers.
In an email statement, an Amazon spokesperson said that they made the decision to wind down support for Astro for Business in order to accelerate their progress and ongoing research to make Astro the best in-home robot. The home robot was designed to perform tasks such as home monitoring, setting up routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows while rolling around the house.
As a resolution, Amazon will provide affected customers with a $300 credit that can be used to support a replacement solution for the workplace. In addition, customers will be refunded for any unused pre-paid Astro Secure fees. This decision marks a shift in Amazon’s focus towards improving its household robotic products.
