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Amazon’s Dave Limp says Astro home robot started as security device

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Amazon’sDave Limp is the head of the hardware division at e-retailer. He said that the jump to home robots started as a security focus and evolved into a product capable of delivering a drink, or taking a call.

Limp explained to CNBC that he had created a document in which he believed customers would particularly like security features of a robot at home. Jon Fortt in an interview that aired Friday on “TechCheck.”It has since evolved to cover a greater surface area, but it was still the original idea.

Amazon has developed a wide range of hardware devices throughout the years. From its early Kindle ereaders, to today’s tablets, smart speakers, and smart TV, as well as voice-activated smart speaker, smart television, and modern tablets. The company’s latest product, the Alexa-powered robot Astro, is perhaps its most ambitious.

Amazon has unveiled Astro this Tuesday at its annual hardware eventThe following is the. The company first experimented with robots at its warehouses, before finally developing a consumer product. Limp stated that Amazon has spent four years developing the product.

Astro comes with sensors which allow the robot to move smoothly around your home or objects. There are two of them. QualcommChips that enable features such as visual ID to recognise one person from the other. Astro will autonomously patrol your house, respond to commands and remind you.

Amazon’s Echo speaker and streaming stick ranges are more affordable than its Echo and Echo Plus models. However, Astro is available at a starting price of $1,000. Users who have been invited to early access will receive an exclusive invite and the Astro will retail for $1,500.

Limp explained that some of the highest-volume products still come in at around $50. “That said, these brands have been around a long time and our customers keep asking us for more features.”

Limp explained that Amazon has been able to make recent improvements in its smart-home technology, such as processors and sensors. Limp also suggested that Amazon might consider creating an Alexa-powered robot.

He said, “The combination that kind of got us excited about… well, it’s time to get started.”

Amazon still relies on cloud computing, e-commerce and advertising to generate the majority of its revenues, but it does not separate device sales. It views devices as a means to convince consumers to subscribe to other services such as Prime shipping, music or video streaming.

WATCH: Amazon introduces Astro, the robot

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