(Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc said on Wednesday it has decided to stop production of its Astro for Business security robot, aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, in order to focus on home robotics products.
Amazon initially launched the robot canine for home use in 2021 and launched Astro for Business last November for a range of customers including retail, manufacturing, and health and wellness.
“To accelerate our ongoing progress and research to make Astro the best home robot, we have made the decision to end support for Astro for Business,” an Amazon spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The home robot was designed to perform tasks such as monitoring the home, setting routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows while moving around the house.
Astro for Business, available only in the US for $2,349.99, was launched to allow customers to monitor their business continuously, even after working hours.
The robots will no longer operate from September 25, according to an email sent to customers and seen by Reuters.
In the email, Amazon announced a $300 credit for affected customers, which can be used to support an alternative workplace solution.
Additionally, customers will be refunded for any prepaid and unused Astro Secure fees.
(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bangalore and Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona)
