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Amazon’s Dave Limp, who heads the hardware division of the online retailer, said the company’s leap into home robots this week started with a focus on security and then developed into a product. who can also deliver a drink or take a video call.
“We wrote a paper where we thought customers would particularly like the safety aspects of a home robot,” Limp told CNBC’s Jon Fortt in an interview that aired Friday on “TechCheck”. “It has since evolved to cover a lot more area than that, but that was the kind of original idea.”
Amazon has built a range of hardware devices over the years, from its early Kindle e-readers and modern tablets, to voice-activated smart speakers and a smart TV. But its latest device, an Alexa-powered robot called Astro, is perhaps the most ambitious yet.
Amazon unveiled Astro on Tuesday at its annual hardware event. The company began experimenting with robots in its own warehouses before eventually developing a consumer product. Limp said Amazon has spent the past four years working on the device.
Astro has sensors that allow it to navigate smoothly around the house and around objects. It includes two Qualcomm chips that power features like visual identification, which allows it to recognize one user over another. Astro can autonomously patrol your home, answer orders and send reminders.
While Amazon has typically targeted the thrifty with its lower-cost Echo speakers and TV broadcast sticks, the Astro starts at $ 1,000 for users who receive an invite for early access and will cost $ 1,500 for. those who buy it at launch.
“We’re still finding that some of our bulkier products are the ones that cost around $ 50,” Limp said. “That being said, some of these brands have been around for a while and at that point customers are asking us to add more features.”
Recent upgrades in smart home technology, such as sensors and processors, have seen Amazon consider launching an Alexa-powered robot, Limp added.
“The combination of that stuff got us excited, well, we should start on that,” he said.
Amazon still relies on e-commerce, cloud computing, and now advertising for the bulk of its revenue, and it doesn’t break down device sales. The company generally views the devices as a way to get consumers to use other services, such as Prime shipping or streaming music and videos.
LOOK: Amazon presents Astro, the robot
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