Amazon is discontinuing its security robot designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) about eight months after launching it.
The company will instead focus its efforts in this area on household robots, according to Reuters. reported Wednesday (July 3).
Amazon has launched the Amazon Astro robot for home use in 2021, then extended it to professional customers under the name Astro for Business in November 2023, according to the report.
“To accelerate our ongoing progress and research to make Astro the best home robot, we have made the decision “We will be reducing our support for Astro for Business,” an Amazon spokesperson said in the report.
Astro for Business was available only in the United States and retailed for $2,349.99, according to the report.
According to Amazon Astro Support page on The retailer’s website, Astro for Business, is no longer available for purchase and existing devices will stop working on September 25.
“In the coming weeks, Amazon will provide a full refund for any Amazon Astro for Business device purchase to the original payment method used,” the page states.
Astro Secure subscribers will no longer be charged subscription fees starting Wednesday and will receive a refund for any unused prepaid subscription fees, according to the page.
“If you own an Amazon Astro Day 1 Edition home robot, your device is not affected and is still supported,” the page states.
When Amazon introduced Astro for Business in November, the company said the security solution combined roboticssmart security And artificial intelligence (AI) to enable SMEs to keep an eye on their business 24/7, even from home. live view, remote control And two-way talk features.
With smart motion and periscope cameras powered by AI technology, Astro for Business was designed to help SMBs protect their inventory spaces of up to 5,000 square feet.
The original version of Astro, the Food Processorwas launched in September 2021 and was meant to be effective at monitoring one’s surroundings — in this case, a home or apartment — like a rolling Ring camera. It also plays music and has home health care apps.
At the same time, when the robot was introduced, Amazon was still figuring out ideal uses for Astro, PYMNTS reported in August 2022.
