Astro for Business Discontinued as Amazon Focuses on Household Robotics Products

Amazon has decided to discontinue its security robot, Astro for Business, for small- and medium-sized businesses as it shifts its focus to household robotics products. The canine-like robot was initially launched for household use in 2021 and Astro for Business was introduced last November for a range of customers including retail, manufacturing, health, and wellness. An Amazon spokesperson mentioned that the decision to wind down support for Astro for Business was made in order to accelerate progress and research to enhance Astro as the best in-home robot.

Astro was designed to perform tasks such as home monitoring, setting up routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows while rolling around the house. The home robot version of Astro is still available today and continues to offer these features. However, Astro for Business only allowed customers to continuously monitor their business even after working hours at a cost of $2,349.99 in the U.S. Unfortunately, the robots will no longer function after September 25 as stated in an email sent to customers by Reuters.

In the email, Amazon informed customers of a $300 credit towards a replacement solution that can be used in the workplace. Furthermore, customers will be refunded for any unused pre-paid Astro Secure fees they may have paid prior to this announcement. This decision comes as Amazon pivots its focus towards household robotics products and improving Astro as an in-home robot. The company is prioritizing ongoing research and development to enhance the performance and capabilities of Astro in household settings.

Overall, this decision marks a shift away from business services towards more personalized household products that align with Amazon’s core business model of providing convenient solutions to everyday problems.