In an announcement that has taken the business world by surprise, Amazon has revealed that it will discontinue its security robot, Astro for Business, for small- and medium-sized businesses. The company had initially launched the canine-like robot for household use in 2021 and introduced Astro for Business last November to cater to a range of customers including retail, manufacturing, health, and wellness.
An Amazon spokesperson stated in an email that the decision was made to wind down support for Astro for Business in order to accelerate the progress and ongoing research required to make Astro the best in-home robot. The home robot 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.
Astro for Business was available in the U.S. at a price of $2,349.99 and was designed to enable customers to constantly surveil their businesses even after working hours. However, Amazon has announced that the robots will no longer function starting on Sept. 25, according to an email sent to customers.
As a resolution, Amazon will provide affected customers with a $300 credit that can be used to support a replacement solution for the workplace. In addition, customers will be refunded for any unused pre-paid Astro Secure fees. This decision marks a shift in Amazon’s focus towards improving its household robotic products.