Amazon has recently made the decision to discontinue its business version of the Astro security robot, which was launched in November 2023 at a price of $2,350. Despite its initial commitment to home robotics, GeekWire reported that the model did not last long on the market and was eventually pulled by Amazon.
The Astro for Business robot came equipped with an HD periscope and offered various subscription types and tiers, including Ring Protect Pro, Astro Security, and Virtual Security Guard memberships. However, it did not meet Amazon’s expectations and was eventually discontinued.
An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that no employees were laid off as a result of this decision. Instead, the company plans to focus its resources on its home robotics division. The consumer version of Astro, which was launched in 2021 for $1,600 by invitation only, is still available. Panos Panay, a former Microsoft executive, leads Amazon’s Devices & Services division, which oversees consumer robotics work.
While the home version of Astro does not serve as a complete replacement for a security guard, it can patrol your home and alert you to unfamiliar faces or sounds of intrusion. It also offers features such as following you with music, delivering messages