Amazon's Astro home robot, launched in 2021, has struggled to gain traction despite its ambitious vision. Priced at $1,450, the robot was designed to navigate homes autonomously, recognize faces, and act as a security monitor. However, it remained an invite-only product, reaching only a few thousand customers. Many users, like Emily Lugo Velez, found it more of a novelty than a practical device, using it primarily to check on pets and appliances when away from home.
Despite Astro's limited success, Amazon is not abandoning its vision of household robots. The company has assembled a new team to develop a 'new-to-world robot product,' according to job postings. Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy emphasized the company's long-term approach, highlighting AI and robotics as key areas of focus. Analysts predict the global humanoid robot market could reach $40 billion by 2035, with some optimistic scenarios projecting as high as $200 billion.
To bolster its efforts, Amazon acquired Fauna Robotics in March, a company known for its 3.5-foot-tall humanoid robot named Sprout. The acquisition was part of a new division called the Personal Robotics Group, which includes staff from Amazon's Lab126 R&D unit. Job postings suggest the new robot aims to be 'not just functional, but delightful,' with capabilities to navigate dynamic home environments and operate autonomously alongside family members.
Industry experts note that while Astro had limited tools, recent advancements in AI, sensors, and battery systems have significantly improved the robotics landscape. Jeff Burnstein, president of the Association for Advancing Automation, highlighted the unique challenges of home environments for robots, including varying layouts and the presence of children, pets, and stairways. Despite these hurdles, Amazon remains optimistic about the future of personal robots.