Amazon Discontinues Security Robot for Businesses, Focuses on Household Robots

Strategic Insights -

Amazon has announced the discontinuation of its security robot, Astro for Business, designed for small- and medium-sized businesses. This decision comes as the company shifts its focus to household robots, building on the success of its consumer-oriented Astro robot launched in 2021. The Astro for Business, introduced in November 2023, catered to various sectors including retail, manufacturing, and health and wellness, providing round-the-clock monitoring capabilities. However, Amazon will support its existing business customers by offering a $300 credit for affected customers to find a replacement solution, waiving the Astro Secure subscription fee, and refunding unused prepaid fees.

Key Takeaways:

  • Amazon will discontinue its Astro for Business robot, which was launched in November 2023 for small- and medium-sized businesses, due to the company's focus shift towards household robots.
  • The Astro for Business robot was priced at $2,349.99 and available exclusively in the US, designed to provide businesses with 24/7 monitoring capabilities.
  • The decision to discontinue the Astro for Business robot has been made to focus on the advancements in household robotics, which are deemed to be more promising for Amazon's customers.
  • Existing business customers will be supported with a $300 credit for a replacement solution, waived subscription fees, and refunded prepaid fees.
  • The consumer version of the Astro robot will have a wider range of functionalities, including acting as a messenger, interacting with users through Alexa, and boasting a built-in cargo hold.
  • Amazon has received feedback from its Day 1 Edition program, which has led to several improvements and new features for the consumer Astro robot.

Statistics:

  • The Astro for Business robot was priced at $2,349.99.
  • The company will offer a $300 credit to affected customers.
  • The Astro Secure subscription fee has been waived for affected customers, and unused prepaid fees will be refunded.
  • 24/7 monitoring capabilities were provided by the Astro for Business robot.
  • The Astro robot can interact with users through Amazon's popular Alexa voice assistant.
  • No official release date has been announced for the consumer version of the Astro robot.

Sources:

  • Reuters report on Amazon discontinuing Astro for Business robots
  • Geekwire article on Lindo St. Angel's internal email to Amazon's consumer robotics
  • Original Amazon press release on the Astro for Business program (no date mentioned)