Amazon is shutting down its Astro for Business security robot

Amazon.com announced Wednesday that it will offer its Astro for Business security robot to small and medium-sized businesses as it shifts its focus to household robots.

The e-commerce giant initially launched the dog-like robot for household use in 2021. Astro for Business launched last November for a range of customers including retail, manufacturing, health and wellness.

"To accelerate our progress and ongoing research to make Astro the best robot in the home, we have made the decision to end support for Astro for Business," an Amazon spokesman told Reuters in an emailed statement. The home robot is designed to take on tasks such as home monitoring, setting routines and reminders, and playing music and TV shows as it rolls around the house.

The Astro for Business bot, which costs $2,349.99 and is only available in the US, is designed to help customers monitor their businesses 24/7.