Amazon.com has announced a dog-like home robot called Astro, and an agreement with Walt Disney Company to integrate its voice-control technology into resort hotels, as Amazon seeks to make its Alexa virtual assistant. It takes up more space in consumers' lives.
The home robot is designed to perform tasks like home monitoring, chore setting and appointment reminders, and it can also play music and present TV shows while on the go.
Astro doesn't cook or clean the house, but it can check if you left the stove on while you were out, or send an alert if someone walks into the house and Astro doesn't recognize them.
The robot uses cameras, sensors and other technology to avoid hitting walls or dogs. Amazon said Astro will get smarter over time as he does some housework; He can put snacks or a drink on his back to pass on to someone else in the house.
The device, with digital eyes on a rotating screen on wheels, is available for a special starting price of $999.99 and a regular price of $1,449.99.
Nearly a year after Amazon (AMZN) was met with criticism over its controversial vision for the future of home security, the company is doubling down on new features for Astro, its dog-like robot, to help it better patrol the household when the owners are away. Amazon (AMZN) also announced a new sleep-tracking device as well as an updated Alexa-powered Fire TV that knows when you’re in the room, among a number of other products.
Amazon, like other tech companies, must convince customers to upgrade or buy new gadgets at a time when fears are mounting about a possible global recession. At the same time, Amazon must also confront shifting comfort levels with its growing reach into the lives of consumers and how closely its household products may be tracking them.