Amazon has decided to power down the business version of its Astro security robot.
Amazon launched the Business version of the home robot in November 2023 as a security guard for small and medium-sized businesses. Each unit was $2,350 and came with four months of Ring Protect Pro and Astro Security. Like the consumer version, Astro for Business had an HD periscope camera, night vision, 24/7 live view, and two-way talk.
According to Geekwire, Amazon informed customers and employees Wednesday morning that it planned to dissolve the Business program and focus on the more popular consumer version.
"I am increasingly convinced the progress we're making in home robotics is where we should focus our resources," Lindo St. Angel, VP of Amazon Devices, wrote in the email to employees. "To do this, and accelerate our progress further, we've made the decision to wind down the Astro for Business program to focus our efforts entirely on building the best consumer robotics products for the home."
Businesses that purchased the device can use their Astro until Sept. 25, after which the robots will stop working. Business customers will receive a full refund for the original cost of the device as well as a $300 credit "to help support a replacement solution for your workplace." Customers will also be refunded any unused pre-paid Astro fees.
Employees who worked on Astro's Business side will remain with the company and shift to the consumer team for now.
The consumer version of Astro is available on Amazon for $1,600, but it's invite-only. As we noted in our review, "Amazon Astro is a useful and fun addition to your home—if you can get one."