The Internet giant presented a home robot based on Alexa smart home technology.
The device can operate remotely in the absence of a person, including checking pets and home security, and in case of detection of unusual phenomena, notifying owners online.
Amazon says the Astro is more than an "Alexa on wheels" and has been programmed with a series of motions and special commands to give it its own personality. The robot is equipped with a retractable camera that rises from its head, which is able to notice, for example, a gas stove that is not turned off and other unusual things. Astro is really capable of more, in particular, the machine can make rhythmic movements to hip-hop music.
At Amazon, when developing the device, they paid enough attention to security and privacy issues. In particular, Astro can be programmed to prohibit visiting certain places in the house, and the “do not disturb” mode is also activated. In addition, there is an option to turn off cameras and microphones, which makes it impossible for the robot to move.
Analysts called the new device a logical solution to integrate into the daily lives of consumers, including as an assistant for the elderly. The Amazon robot will retail for $999.
It is expected that the first batch will be sold out in the first minutes. Deliveries of the device will begin in the US market before the end of 2020. In the future, the cost of Astro will increase to $1,449. In the next 5-10 years, the company believes that the robot will be in almost every home.
