Amazon Astro robot straight out of The Jetsons
Amazon releases a (literally) robot that can help monitor your home. Using Amazon Alexa and a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, the Astro robot can do many things while patrolling a set of wheels, from providing an inside view when going outside to sending a message to mom. .
This robot has the same name as the dog from The Jetsons, but its simple face, swivel mechanism, and of course advanced technology make it very similar to Rosey. Amazon Astro relies on artificial intelligence, sensors, computer vision, sound and edge computations to perform many of the loads.
For example, Astro can circle your house and see what he sees alive. This means you can inspect your pet, monitor intruders, or make sure the oven is turned off. Astro is a mobile phone thanks to a technology Amazon calls Intelligent Motion. It uses simultaneous location and mapping (SLAM) to ensure Astro moves forward without bumping into things - even if someone on Earth forgets something that wasn't there before.
AdsYou can also provide Astro with useful alerts, for example when the alarm goes off or if the glass is broken.
A computer vision technology called Visual ID allows Astro to identify specific members of your family, so you can send messages properly, and reminders can be remotely (or whatever.) to bring them to someone . Simply drop it in the Astro's luggage compartment, and it will select the right person to pick it up.
Astro moves like Alexa has. Since the robot follows you, you can use it for everyday tasks, such as controlling your smart home or viewing on Amazon Prime.
But one of the things that makes Astro so close in kind is the Jetson home robot who motivated us to try and get 'personal'. Amazon said in a blog post that it used "feedback from hundreds of testers within the company, as well as film, television, game and animation principles to create a character" for the device. The character is embodied by "digital eyes on a rotating screen, bodily movements and expressive tone of communication".
Astro will eventually be available for $1,449.99. However, the introductory price of $999.99 is part of the Amazon Day Editions Early Access Program and includes a six-month trial period of Ring Protect Pro. Amazon plans to invite "participants" to purchase Astro in the US "later this year". List of images from Amazon