Amazon’s Next Home Robot: A Second Chance After Astro’s Rocky Start

Amazon is attempting to make a successful home robot with lessons learned from its previous attempt, Astro. The company has assembled a team to develop a new device intended for families, though details about the robot's design, capabilities, price, and launch date have not been disclosed. It is possible that the robot will be humanoid, given Amazon's acquisition of Fauna Robotics.

Astro, which was released in 2021, was a wheeled robot with Alexa, face recognition, and mobile home monitoring, priced at $1,449.99 with an introductory price of $999.99. However, it was invitation-only and shipped to only a few thousand customers. Astro received mixed reviews, with some owners considering it a novelty and a "trip hazard."

Despite the challenges, Amazon continues to support Astro customers. The company's experience in warehouse robots has contributed to its robotics expertise, but the living room presents unique challenges, such as clutter, stairs, and unpredictable human movement. Amazon is working with the robotics community to address these issues and improve performance in everyday settings.