Amazon wants to sell small robot "Astro" to companies
Amazon has found a job for its Astro household robot, which was launched two years ago. The small rolling machine with a camera and display is to patrol small and medium-sized businesses such as stores.
The rolling surveillance camera is not cheap: the robot costs around 2350 dollars (2169 euros) in the "Astro for Business" program, as Amazon announced on Wednesday. In addition, 80 dollars per month are charged for subscriptions that allow you to save the recordings for six months or send the robot on certain routes, for example.
For a further 99 dollars a month, Astro can also activate a security service at the sound of a fire alarm or breaking glass, which will call the police if necessary. The camera can extend to a height of over one meter to look over furniture. The robot can cover areas of a good 460 square meters for a room plan. The business offer is initially only available in the USA.
Astro is about the size of a vacuum cleaner, can be operated by voice and has already been able to take over supervision of the home. Amazon has so far only sold the device in small quantities in the USA to private individuals for around 1,600 dollars and described it primarily as a companion for the household and, for example, elderly family members.
The small robot Astro, equipped with a camera and display, is designed to be sold by Amazon to companies for patrolling their businesses. To fully utilize Astro's capabilities, businesses may need to budget for additional monthly subscription fees beyond the initial cost.
Source: www.dpa.com
