AMAZON has announced plans to phase out its $2,350 robotic security guard just 10 months after its launch.
The retail giant introduced Astro to Business for about eight months as a security tool for small and medium-sized organizations.
Equipped with a periscopic camera and night vision technology, the robot could travel pre-programmed routes, with the option to control it remotely via a corresponding app.
The company sent an email to employees and customers on Wednesday notifying them that the devices will stop working on September 25th.
In correspondence viewed by The US Sun, Amazon’s Lindo St. Angel informed employees of a change in plans.
“I am increasingly convinced that the progress we are making in home robotics is where we should focus our resources,” wrote St. Angel, who serves as vice president of engineering at Lab126.
“To do this, and further accelerate our progress, we have made the decision to close Astro for Business program to focus our efforts entirely on building the best robotic consumer products for the home.”
The company sent a similar email to customers offering a full refund plus a $300 credit to their Amazon accounts.
“On September 25th, your Astro stops Business the device will no longer function and your personal data will be deleted from the device,” the email said.
“We encourage you to recycle your Astro for Business device and accessories through Amazon Recycling Program — Amazon covers the costs associated with shipping and recycling your devices and accessories.”
The company announced that it will no longer charge for subscriptions associated with Astro for Business.
This includes Astro Secure, a feature that allowed the robot to patrol custom routes and alert users to an unidentified person.
Amazon is also ending support for Ring Protect Pro, which allows Astro for Business owners to sync the robot with Ring security cameras.
Footage will still be available on users’ Ring apps until their subscriptions end, the company said.
3
A consumer version of the robot was announced in September 2021, but progress appears to have stalled on that front.
The so-called “home robot” is still available through an invite-only preview in the Amazon Day1 Editions program.
This will cost buyers $1,599, plus additional fees like a subscription to Ring Protect Pro.
What’s happening with Amazon Astro?
Following the discontinuation of Amazon’s Astro for Business, the company is refocusing its attention to focus on a “home
Sold under the slogan “Keep home close,” the robot was announced in 2021 and is still only available to members of Amazon’s Day1 Editions program.
Day1 products are available by invitation only. Potential users can request a product invite to gain early access and contribute feedback.
Unlike Astro for Business, the consumer version is intended for monitoring a home.
It can operate in a single-story indoor environment, patrolling areas up to 3,500 square feet.
Users can control the robot remotely and program custom routes, similar to Astro for Business.
It also comes equipped with Alexa integration, allowing it to “read traffic news during rush hour or remind you to feed your pet.”
The robot can accompany users with music or video playing on their speakers or deliver calls, messages, alarms and more.
The company notes that it can carry a variety of accessories, including a blood pressure monitor and a dog camera “that drops treats to your pet.”
Purchase comes with a 30-day Ring Protect Pro subscription.
Users can also set “out of bounds” zones in the Astro app and turn off microphones, cameras and motion “with the touch of a button.”
Santo Anjo seemed to allude to developments on the horizon.
“Like all of you, I am a firm believer in the long term benefits robots will offer our customers, and advances in generative AI make this even more exciting,” he wrote in the email.
“There is a lot of work to be done, but I am excited about this change and where it will take us in the future. next stage of our journey.”
The customer email offered “an automatic invitation to the Astro Day 1 Editions Program” for users who want to “continue their journey with Astro in their home.”
3
All signs point to the company shifting focus to the home version of the robot and possibly integrating a generative AI version of Alexa.
Amazon plans to launch a more “conversational” version of the virtual assistant later this year, amid intensifying competition from industry leaders like OpenAI.
Users will be able to unlock these advanced features characteristics with a monthly subscription fee.
The company intends for Alexa to be able to make restaurant reservations and deliver “a succinct summary of trending news,” among other complex tasks.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
