A few years after Amazon initially introduced Astro, its home robot equipped with Alexa and an extendable camera, the company is now unveiling Astro for Business. This version allows small and medium-sized businesses to utilize Astro as a security guard, particularly focusing on overseeing sites no larger than 5,000 square feet.
Priced at $2,350 per unit, the purchasing company will receive a complimentary four-month access to both Ring Protect Pro ($20 per month) and Astro Security ($60 per month). Ring Protect Pro enables integration with an existing Ring setup, while Astro Security allows the establishment of specific patrol routes and alerts. Users opting for both services can also explore an upgrade to Virtual Security Guard for $99. This feature directs the feed to a local monitoring company when any irregularities are detected.
Although Astro has been somewhat available to consumers through a limited, invite-only system, Amazon has been conducting tests in business settings for almost a year. This marks the first time it is offered for purchase without entry barriers, although the relatively high pricing may still pose a deterrent for potential buyers who might have missed out on earlier opportunities.