As the rumors suggested, Amazon is working on an Alexa-powered robot on wheels. The company has finally taken the curtains off Astro. Initially set to be priced at $1,000, the robot is basically an Alexa display that can free roam around your house.
The robot comes equipped with a periscope camera that enables it to expand its field of view beyond floor level. It can extend that camera to check on things such as stovetops and sleeping pets. Users will be able to program the robot to patrol their homes while they are away, thanks to Ring’s Protect Pro subscription service.
A smart patrolling robot for your house
Astro is capable of detecting the sound of a smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, or breaking glass. It will send notifications when it notices something unusual, and users can save what it records to their Ring account.
It also allows you to use it in conjunction with Amazon’s new Alexa Together feature, allowing your family to get in touch with you in case of an emergency. And if you’re someone who likes walking around when on a call, Astro will follow you around the house during video calls.
Astro doesn’t invade your privacy
You can put the robot in do not disturb mode that limits how much the robot moves during the day or night. Additionally, Amazon says you can set out-of-bounds zones to prevent Astro from entering specific areas in the house. Amazon’s Astro is one of those projects that have been under the works for several years.
The company plans to sell the robot in limited quantities later this year. While it will eventually be priced at $1,449.99, the company will be selling it for a special price of $999.99 as part of its Day 1 Editions program. Each Astro will come with six months of complimentary access to Ring Protect Pro subscription.
