(Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc said on Wednesday it has decided to stop making its Astro for Business security robot aimed at small businesses as it shifts its focus to home robotics products.
Amazon initially launched a robotic dog for the home in 2021, and then launched Astro for Business in November last year for a wide range of customers in retail, manufacturing, health and wellness.
“We have decided to end support for Astro for Business in order to accelerate our progress and ongoing research into making Astro the best home robot,” an Amazon spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
The domestic robot is designed to roam around the house, performing tasks such as monitoring the home, setting routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows.
Sold only in the US for $2,349.99, Astro for Business was introduced to enable customers to continuously monitor their business even after hours.
The robots will stop working from Sept. 25, according to an email sent to customers and seen by Reuters.
Amazon said in an email that it is offering affected customers a $300 credit to use towards support for alternative workplace solutions.
Additionally, any unused prepaid Astro Secure fees will also be refunded.
(Reporting by Harshita Mary Varghese in Bengaluru and Juby Babu in Mexico City; Editing by Alan Barona)
