Amazon Discontinues Astro for Business, Shifts Focus to Household Robots

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Amazon.com (AMZN.O) announced on Wednesday that it will discontinue its security robot, Astro for Business, which was designed for small- and medium-sized businesses. The company will now shift its focus entirely to developing household robots.

The e-commerce giant initially launched the canine-like robot, Astro, for household use in 2021. Astro for Business was introduced in November last year, targeting a diverse range of customers, including those in retail, manufacturing, health, and wellness sectors.

“To accelerate our progress and ongoing research to make Astro the best in-home robot, we’ve made the decision to wind down support for Astro for Business,” an Amazon spokesperson told Reuters in an emailed statement.

The home robot, Astro, was designed to handle tasks such as home monitoring, setting up routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows while navigating around the house. Amazon’s focus on enhancing these features indicates a strategic move to solidify its position in the emerging market for household robots.

Astro for Business, priced at $2,349.99, was available exclusively in the U.S. and aimed to help businesses monitor their premises around the clock. However, Amazon has decided that their resources are better allocated to improving Astro’s capabilities for the home environment.

According to an email sent by the company to its customers and seen by Reuters, the Astro for Business robots will cease to be functional from September 25. This decision impacts businesses that had adopted Astro for their security and monitoring needs.

To support affected customers, Amazon has announced a credit of $300, which can be used towards finding a replacement solution for workplace monitoring. Additionally, customers will no longer be charged the Astro Secure subscription fee starting from Wednesday, and any unused pre-paid fees will be refunded.

This shift in focus from business to household use reflects Amazon’s strategy to dominate the consumer market for home robots. The company’s ongoing research and development efforts are aimed at making Astro a more integral part of everyday home life, providing users with enhanced security, convenience, and entertainment options.

The transition away from Astro for Business underscores Amazon’s commitment to refining and perfecting its home robot offerings. By reallocating resources and attention to the household market, Amazon aims to deliver a more robust and user-friendly product that can meet the evolving needs of its customers.

This move is part of a broader trend within the tech industry, where companies are increasingly focusing on smart home devices and AI-driven technologies to create a more connected and automated living environment. As Amazon continues to innovate in this space, the future of home robotics looks promising, with Astro positioned to play a central role.

In conclusion, Amazon’s decision to discontinue Astro for Business and concentrate on household robots is a strategic realignment that prioritizes the enhancement of their home robot offerings. The company is dedicated to making Astro the best in-home robot, ensuring it can provide comprehensive home monitoring, convenience, and entertainment. This strategic shift marks a significant step in Amazon’s journey to revolutionize the way we interact with technology in our homes.