Amazon Unveils Peculiar ‘Astro’ Home Robot To Serve As Your Personal Wall-E
Image via Amazon
In the last several years, we’ve grown accustomed to digital assistants. Hey Google, switch on my lights! Hey Siri, what’s the weather? Hey Alexa, turn up the music.
Now, Amazon’s going a step further by incorporating its Alexa voice assistant into an actual robot. Unveiled at the brand’s fall event this week, the new home robot—named ‘Astro’—definitely stole the show.
Image via Amazon
First off, it looks adorable, with large doe eyes on a screen atop its body. Now, Alexa won’t just answer you from afar, but can actually follow alongside you through the home, helping with whatever tasks you may have.
According to CNET, the robot has myriad features, including mapping a home’s floor plan, following voice commands, and being agile enough to move around the house with ease.
Plus, Amazon said Astro can also be used as a companion for the elderly, by entertaining them with cool tricks (beatboxing, anyone?) or helping them connect with loved ones via phone and video calls. Other features, such as health devices and blood pressure monitoring, can be added on, too.
Image via Amazon
For those who like to keep a close eye on their abode, Astro can help with that. Its dedicated periscope—that pops up above its head—helps you track what’s going on even when you’re out. If you’re worried about Fido, there’s even an add-on Furbo Dog Camera accessory that allows you to award treats to your pets from afar.
Of course, a common concern with digital assistants and robots is privacy. Amazon said that Astro comes with Alexa’s security features, and users can designate no-go zones within the home. There’s also a do-not-disturb function that’ll allow you to control how often the robot moves around during the day.
Currently, Astro’s yet to hit the shelves, but Amazon has opened a waiting list for interested customers. It’ll be available by the year’s end, retailing at US$1,000.
Image via Amazon
[via CNET, images via various sources]
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