The latest from Amazon marks the end of a short era for its Astro robot, with the company discontinuing these machines made for commercial use, particularly for business security. Soon, the company will open up the return process for the Astro bots so that businesses can return them and get a full refund of their purchases, alongside additional credits from the e-commerce platform.
On a positive note, Astro will not be entirely discontinued, as its home robot versions will still be usable and available for sale but no longer for business use.
Amazon Astro Robot Discontinued for Commercial Use After a Year
According to a report from The Verge, Amazon has announced that it discontinued the Astro robots for commercial availability and use and is now bricking them after their introduction last year. This means that users may no longer get to use the robot entirely, as Amazon will cease its entire operations instead of discontinuing it and leaving it to its owners.
Starting September 25, Astro owners may return the bots to Amazon, with the company guaranteeing free shipping for all.
Moreover, users who return the bot will be issued full refunds for their purchase worth $2,349.99 for Astro, but they will also be given a $300 Amazon credit alongside it.
Astro Robot Lives On, But Only as a Security Bot at Home
That being said, Astro is not fully discontinued. The Astro robot for home lives on and will continue to be available and operational for users. Unlike the business or commercial versions, the Astro for homes will not be bricked by Amazon.
Amazon also revealed that after Astro, there is more to expect from their in-home developments in the future.
Amazon's Focus on Robotics
Amazon first introduced Astro in 2021, unveiling one of its early takes on robotics. Astro is a rolling machine that would help patrol the home and watch out for threats. It was regarded as a Ring camera on wheels. Astro also employs Alexa for voice assistant features that users may also command, offering a cute little assistant for households.
The early tests and feedback from actual users on Astro showed delight with it. Despite being a handless robot, it has plenty of other features for users under the 'Alexa Together' feature. Apart from bringing drinks from one point to another with its integrated cup holders, it can also be an assistant at home and help monitor security on wheels.
Later, Amazon launched Astro for businesses, offering a robot that can assist in different aspects of a company or shop while also deploying Alexa. However, that ship has sailed for Amazon, which is looking to expand more on its home offerings rather than for commercial use. The company is teasing more robotic developments in the future beyond Astro.
Related Article : Amazon Astro Robot For Home Security: How Does it Work?
