Amazon’s Astro home robot has fans but looks destined for the ‘trash heap.’ Why it’s trying again

Amazon is trying again to bring robots into people’s homes as rapid advances in AI, sensors, batteries and mechanical parts make the technology more capable. Its Astro robot attracted devoted owners but offered limited functions at a high price, raising doubts about whether it could become a lasting consumer product.

Industry figures say the robot-building toolkit has changed dramatically since Astro’s development, while investment in robotics and physical AI reached $33.4 billion in the first half of this year, up from $28.7 billion across all of 2025. Most humanoid projects target industrial uses, though companies are also developing home robots; Astro owners have reported service concerns and the absence of Amazon’s Alexa+ assistant. Amazon says it still supports Astro customers, and some owners would consider another robot if it could take on more household tasks.