Amazon’s Astro for Business Security Robot Discontinued: A Lesson in Home Robotics Evolution
In November 2023, Amazon launched the Astro for Business security robot with a price of $2,350. The higher-end model was designed to serve as a security guard for spaces up to 5,000 square feet. Despite their initial commitment to home robotics, GeekWire reported that Amazon has decided to pull the plug on Astro for Business.
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, the model did not last long on the market. An Amazon spokesperson confirmed that the company has not laid off any employees as a result of discontinuing Astro for Business. Instead, they plan to focus resources on their home robotics division.
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, and setting timers. However, many of these functions can be replicated by cheaper devices on the market.
Panos Panay leads Amazon’s Devices & Services division which oversees consumer robotics work and is committed to improving its products in this area in order to meet customer needs. The consumer version of Astro was launched in 2021 by invitation only at $1,600.
Overall, while Amazon may have discontinued its high-end business version of Astro security robot, they remain committed to investing in their home robotics division and improving their products to better serve customers’ needs.
