Amazon's Next-Generation Astro Bot Could be Revolutionized with Artificial Intelligence
Key Highlights :
As the home automation and smart home market continues to expand, Amazon is looking to stay ahead of the curve with its next-generation Astro Bot. Internal documents seen by Insider suggest that Amazon is looking to give Astro 2 a layer of “intelligence and a conversational spoken interface” by tapping into the flurry of interest shown in generative artificial intelligence (AI).
This could mean that a future Astro bot could remember spotting things around the house and then “engage in a Q&A dialogue on what it saw.” For example, if it spotted that somebody had left the stove or a faucet on, it could track down a human to let them know. It could also be used to reason and prioritize more important tasks, such as sweeping up broken glass as a matter of urgency.
In addition to its increased intelligence, Astro 2 could also be equipped with a range of practical robotic functions. Amazon's $1.7 billion purchase of Roomba last year could mean that the robot could be equipped with vacuum functionality, while companies like Tesla and Dyson are working towards soft robotics with the dexterity to grip delicate items.
While Amazon's Astro is still only available to buyers with an invite and with a price that’s just gone up $100 to $1,599, the introduction of artificial intelligence could revolutionize the product and make it more accessible to the average consumer. With the potential to track down missing keys, check if a window has been left open or even see if the kids had friends over after school, Astro 2 could be a game-changer in the home automation and smart home market.
