Amazon has decided to discontinue its Astro for Business security robot device just seven months after its release.
According to an email sent to customers and employees on Wednesday and provided to TechCrunch, the reason for shelving Astro for Business is simple: Amazon wants to focus on the home version of Astro, which launched in 2021 and offers features like home security, pet detection, message delivery and a cargo box that can carry up to 4.4 pounds.
“We are committed to our vision of bringing world-class consumer robotics solutions to homes,” an Amazon spokesperson said in a prepared statement. “To accelerate our progress and ongoing research to make Astro the best home robot, we've made the decision to end support for Astro for Business. We're excited about the in-home experiences we're creating for Astro and look forward to sharing more with you in the future.”
The Astro for Business robots will no longer function after September 25. The company encourages customers to recycle their security robots through Amazon's recycling program, and the company will cover shipping costs.
The company didn't say how many business customers were affected by the discontinuation, but it's clear that there weren't enough customers for Amazon to continue investing in the device.
The Astro for Business robot, priced at $2,350, was available with three subscription plans: a $60-per-month “Astro Secure” subscription that gives users features like route programming, and two optional subscriptions that allow users to get features like a Ring alarm and motion detector for $20 per month, plus human agent support and monitoring for $99 per month.
Effective immediately, businesses will no longer be charged the “Astro Secure” subscription fee. Amazon also announced a $300 credit for affected customers, which can be used to support alternative workplace solutions. Additionally, customers will be refunded any unused prepaid Astro Secure fees.
