Amazon has made the decision to discontinue its Astro for Business security robot in order to focus on developing domestic robots. The robot, designed for small and medium-sized businesses, was initially introduced for home use in 2021 and later expanded to commercial sectors such as retail and manufacturing. The company will cease support for the Astro for Business robot on September 25, 2024, offering customers a $300 credit to find alternative workplace solutions. Additionally, any prepaid Astro Secure subscription fees will be refunded starting July 3, 2024.
The product was only available in the US, and Amazon recently announced a significant investment of 10 billion euros in Germany to enhance its cloud infrastructure and logistics network. This investment is expected to create 4,000 new jobs by 2024, increasing Amazon’s permanent workforce in Germany to over 40,000. As part of a broader commitment to Germany, Amazon is investing a total of €17.8 billion, including €7.8 billion in AWS European Sovereign Cloud. The AWS European Sovereign Cloud, an independent cloud for Europe, will launch its first AWS Region in the state of Brandenburg by late 2025.
Overall, Amazon’s decision to discontinue the Astro for Business robot reflects its strategic shift towards developing domestic robots. The company is prioritizing innovation and research to enhance the capabilities of its home-focused robotics products. Additionally, its significant investment in Germany underscores Amazon’s commitment to expanding its presence and creating job opportunities in the region. With the offer of a $300 credit to customers affected by the discontinuation of the Astro for Business robot, Amazon aims to support businesses in finding alternative solutions for their workplace needs.
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https://www.verdict.co.uk/news/amazon-to-halt-astro-for-business/