After just eight months, Amazon has discontinued the business version of its Astro security robot. Geekwire The company reported on Wednesday that despite being “fully committed” to its home robotics division, it has discontinued production of a premium model that can double as a security guard for spaces as large as 5,000 square feet.
Amazon launched Astro for Business in November 2023, pitching it as a workplace security robot. For $2,350, the wheeled screen comes with an HD periscope and offers a variety of subscription types and tiers, including Ring Protect Pro, Astro Security, and Virtual Security Guard memberships. Suddenly, it’s not so surprising that it only lasts about eight months.
An Amazon spokesperson said: Geekwire The company is not laying off any employees over the demise of Astro for Business, and plans to redirect resources to its home robotics business. The consumer version of Astro, which launched in 2021, is still available (by invitation only) for $1,600. Former Microsoft Surface (and much more) guru Panos Panay joined the company last year as head of the Devices and Services division, which includes the consumer robotics business.
The home version of Astro isn’t a replacement for a full-fledged security guard, but it can patrol your home and alert you if it sees a stranger, hears glass breaking or an alarm, and offers other less valuable features like playing music while following you around, messaging others and setting timers, most of which can be replicated with much cheaper devices.
