Astro robots are losing their jobs: Amazon closes Astro for Business programme
Amazon has announced the termination of the Astro for Business programme, which was launched in November 2023. This programme offered small and medium-sized businesses to use Astro robotic dogs to patrol and monitor their facilities.
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Customers who have purchased Astro for Business robots will receive a full refund, as well as a $300 credit and a refund of unused subscriptions. Amazon will also cover the costs of recycling and shipping the robots.
The decision to end the programme was made so that Amazon could focus on developing a home version of the Astro robot. The consumer version of Astro can perform tasks such as delivering messages, playing media, interacting with family members, and home surveillance. However, it is currently available by invitation only.
Here are some of the reasons why Amazon may have discontinued the Astro for Business programme:
- Low sales: The programme may not have been as popular as Amazon expected.
- High cost: Astro for Business robots cost $2,350, making them unaffordable for many small and medium-sized businesses.
- Technical limitations: The robots may not have been able to fully meet the needs of businesses.
Despite the discontinuation of the Astro for Business programme, Amazon is still committed to developing innovative robots for the home. It remains to be seen whether the home version of Astro will be more successful than the business version.
Source: GeekWire
