After a mere seven months, Amazon retires the security robot, Astro for Business. Seven months after its launch, Amazon has chosen to stop selling the Astro for Business gadget, a security robot for small and medium-sized organizations.
The rationale for putting Astro for Business on hold is straightforward: Amazon wants to concentrate on its home version of Astro. This information was revealed in an email sent to customers and staff on Wednesday and shared with TechCrunch. The residential version, which debuted in 2021, comes with features like message delivery, cargo container that can hold up to 4.4 pounds, pet recognition, and home security.
Beginning on Wednesday, the business will stop charging for the Astro Secure subscription and issue refunds for any unused pre-paid costs. The action highlights Amazon’s dedication to enhancing Astro’s usability in the home and its potential to lead the way in home automation.
Insights:
In an email sent to customers and employees on Wednesday, provided to TechCrunch, the reason for putting Astro for Business on the shelf is simple: Amazon wants to focus on its home version of Astro. Launched in 2021, the home version offers home security, pet detection, message delivery, a cargo bin capable of carrying up to 4.4 pounds, and more.
“We are fully committed to our vision of bringing world-class consumer robotics solutions to the home,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a prepared statement. “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. We’re excited about the in-home experiences we’re inventing for Astro, and look forward to sharing more in the future.”
