Amazon Pivots from Business Robot to Home Robotics, Discontinues Astro for Business
Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its Astro for Business robot less than a year after its introduction, signaling a strategic shift to concentrate resources on the development of home robotics. This move reflects the company's evolving priorities in the robotics sector.
Amazon is shutting down its Astro for Business robot less than a year after its launch to sharpen its focus on advancing home robotics. Originally designed as a security solution for small and medium-sized businesses, the robot will cease operations on September 25, 2024. Customers will receive full refunds and additional compensation.
Astro for Business debuted in November 2023, marketed as a security solution for facilities up to 5,000 square feet. It offered autonomous patrolling, pre-programmed routes, and integration with Amazon's Ring Protect and Virtual Security Guard services. The robot was priced at $2,349.99, with monthly subscription options ranging from $20 to $99. Despite featuring advanced capabilities, including an HD periscope camera and night vision technology, the commercial variant will be discontinued on September 25, 2024, concluding its brief presence in the business sector.
Amazon is providing full refunds for the original $2,349.99 purchase price of Astro for Business, along with a $300 Amazon credit to assist customers in finding replacement solutions. Additionally, any unused, pre-paid Astro Secure subscription fees will be refunded. To facilitate the disposal of the soon-to-be-obsolete robots, Amazon is offering a free e-recycling program, including complimentary shipping labels for returns.
The consumer version, Astro, first introduced in 2021, remains unaffected by the discontinuation of its business counterpart. Available by invitation only at a price of $1,600, the home robot continues to offer home monitoring, message delivery, media playback, and Alexa integration. Amazon remains committed to advancing consumer robotics and plans to incorporate feedback from its Day 1 Editions program to enhance Astro's capabilities for household use.
The decision to discontinue Astro for Business underscores Amazon's strategic pivot towards prioritizing consumer robotics development. Lindo St. Angel, Vice President of Amazon Devices, emphasized the company's belief in the long-term benefits of robots in the home and the potential of generative AI in this space. This reallocation of resources aims to accelerate research and development in home robotics, with Amazon fully committed to bringing world-class consumer robotics solutions into homes.