Amazon is revolutionizing security for small and medium-sized businesses with the introduction of Astro for Business. Initially underwhelming in its consumer features when launched in September 2021, Astro now offers an array of enhanced capabilities designed to provide business owners with peace of mind and extend security services beyond what traditional stationary monitoring systems can offer. It is a remarkable advancement from the Amazon-owned Ring security product line, which Amazon acquired for a staggering $1.2 billion in 2018.

Astro for Business is specifically aimed at delivering a mobile security patrol solution that ensures unyielding safety for businesses during after-hours periods. The mobile robot patrols the facility, constantly monitoring its surroundings and alerting business owners promptly if any nefarious activity is detected. While Ring security systems efficiently monitor entrances and exits via a wide range of sensors, including vision cameras, Astro introduces a mobile camera that can be dynamically repositioned to remotely investigate suspicious situations.

To cater to the unique needs of businesses, Amazon allows customers to personalize their Astro experience with separately sold subscriptions, each providing incremental benefits that stack upon each other. This includes subscriptions to Ring Protect Pro and Astro Secure, which offer advanced security features specifically tailored for businesses. These features include intelligent alerts, customizable patrol routes, and scheduled patrols. Additionally, customers have the option to integrate a Virtual Security Guard for professional monitoring services. From checking in after hours to having Astro actively patrol and send alerts when incidents arise, Astro for Business aims to empower business owners with comprehensive surveillance capabilities and the assurance that their establishments are constantly protected.

Amazon's goal is to provide an enhanced security solution at a more accessible price point compared to other robotic security systems available in the market, such as those offered by Cobalt, Knightscope, and Badger Technologies.

Anthony Robson, head of product for Amazon Astro, emphasized the extensive testing conducted with Astro in various businesses, showcasing its intelligence in identifying blind spots and monitoring areas that traditional stationary cameras overlook. Robson added, "Astro's intelligent motion has provided business owners with the peace of mind of knowing that their inventory and property are protected, even when they are not present."

With Astro for Business, Amazon combines innovation and cutting-edge technology to offer small and medium-sized businesses a formidable security solution, transforming the way businesses protect their assets and ensuring that their properties remain safeguarded at all times.

Astro for Business is engineered to monitor the facility 24/7, extending its coverage in businesses up to 5,000 square feet (for a single Astro mobile robot). Customers gain access to a suite of features, including live view, two-way talk, Astro’s HD periscope camera with night vision, and visual ID for smart alerts regarding unrecognized individuals. The system introduces additional subscriptions to augment security.

• Ring Protect Pro: A Ring Protect Pro subscription lets customers save Astro for Business video history for up to 180 days and sync Astro for Business with Ring Alarm to link Ring Motion Detectors and window and door Ring Alarm Contact Sensors for alerts when a Ring Alarm is triggered.
• Astro Secure: This feature enables Astro to patrol autonomously and lets customers create multiple security monitoring routes tailored to their business, with specific viewpoints and frequencies. Astro can also send customers smart alerts when it hears the sounds of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms or glass breaking, and with a synced Ring Alarm, Astro can also move autonomously to triggered sensors to investigate.
• Virtual Security Guard: For even more protection, adding a Virtual Security Guard subscription lets Rapid Response agents respond when Astro is in Home or Away mode. For example, if Astro detects an unrecognized person, hears the sound of glass breaking or a smoke or CO alarm, or receives an alert that a Ring Alarm sensor has been triggered, agents are alerted. The agents can then initiate Astro’s live view and remotely navigate the device to investigate further, and if needed, call emergency services.