Jul 04, 2024 11:40:00

Amazon ends its corporate security robot service 'Astro for Business' after just seven months, revealing its intention to focus on home monitoring robot business

Starting November 16, 2023, Amazon has been offering a plan called 'Astro for Business' that allows customers to use the monitoring robot '

Astro ' as a security robot for businesses. However, on July 3, 2024, Amazon has notified customers and employees that it plans to discontinue 'Astro for Business.'

Amazon ends Astro business robot security guard to focus on home
https://www.geekwire.com/2024/amazon-discontinues-astro-for-business-robot-security-guard-to-focus-on-astro-home-robot/

Amazon pulls the plug on the business version of its Astro robot
https://www.engadget.com/amazon-pulls-the-plug-on-the-business-version-of-its-astro-robot-193907015.html

Amazon Axes Astro Robotic Watchdog for businesses • The Register
https://www.theregister.com/2024/07/03/amazon_astro_security/

Astro, released in 2021, is a home monitoring robot equipped with Alexa that can be used to give voice commands, make video calls on the included monitor, and automatically guard your home when you are away.

Summary of Amazon's new products such as the Alexa-equipped home monitoring robot 'Astro' and the children's device 'Amazon Glow' - GIGAZINE

And 'Astro for Business,' announced on November 16, 2023, is a paid plan that allows Astro to be used as a security robot for businesses. Astro for Business can guard stores 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, even after the user has returned home. It also comes equipped with an HD periscope camera with night vision and facial recognition, and a smart alert is also available that will notify the user's smartphone immediately if a suspicious person is detected.

'Astro for Business' will be announced, which will allow Amazon's self-propelled monitoring robot 'Astro' to be used as a corporate security robot - GIGAZINE

However, on July 3, 2024, Amazon sent an email to customers and employees stating that 'Astro for Business will be discontinued and existing robots will stop operating on September 25, 2024.' Regarding the reason for the termination of the service, Lind Angel, vice president of Amazon Devices, said, 'We believe that we should focus our resources on advancing home robotics. Therefore, we have decided to complete the Astro for Business program and focus all our efforts on building the best home robot products.'

'After September 25, the device will no longer function and any personal data stored on it will be automatically deleted from the device,' Amazon told customers. 'In addition, footage of patrols and investigations recorded by Astro will remain available in the Ring app until the footage's retention period expires or your Ring Project subscription ends.'

According to Amazon, existing security robots used with Astro for Business cannot be repurposed for home use, so they recommend using the Amazon recycling program . Astro for Business customers will also receive an invitation to purchase an Astro for home use through the Astro Day 1 Editions program. In addition, according to the overseas media The Register, Amazon has informed existing Astro for Business customers that they can receive a refund for their device along with a $300 (about 48,000 yen) credit to their Amazon account that can be used to purchase an 'alternative solution' within a few weeks.