Amazon continues its work in consumer robotics by forming a brand-new development team tasked with creating a home robot capable of autonomously navigating living spaces and interacting with family members. This was revealed by CNBC journalists who analyzed the company's current job openings and identified a series of listings directly pointing to the launch of a new robotics project. One of the postings mentioned the need for the device to autonomously navigate a constantly changing home environment—a key requirement that sets the new product apart from the corporation's previous attempts.
Team Shake-ups and External Specialists
Over the past few months, Amazon has transferred a significant portion of employees previously working on the Astro robot to the new project. A robotics specialist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has also been brought on board, while part of the team previously worked in the Lab126 division, known for creating Kindle, Echo, and Fire TV devices. The company is seeking specialists in user interaction and robot maintenance, pointing to a comprehensive approach ranging from interface design to lifecycle support services.
Acquisition of Fauna Robotics and the Sprout Robot
In March 2026, Amazon acquired Fauna Robotics, a startup that developed a humanoid robot named Sprout standing about 107 cm tall. The machine can walk, pick up small objects, and interact with people, though it is currently used primarily by developers and researchers. Fauna employees have joined Amazon's new Personal Robotics Group, which appears to form the core of the new team. It remains unclear whether the future home robot will be based specifically on Sprout's design, as Amazon has not disclosed technical specifications, pricing, or anticipated release timelines.
Lessons from Astro: Why the First Attempt Fell Short
Introduced in 2021 and priced at $1,450, the Astro robot could move around the house, recognize faces, and function as a mobile security camera. However, the device was sold strictly by invitation and reached only a few thousand buyers. Amazon shut down the corporate version released later less than a year after its launch. Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser acknowledged in an interview with CNBC that a significant gap remains between how machines perform in laboratory conditions and how they actually operate in ordinary apartments, and the acquisition of Fauna Robotics is intended to help address these technical challenges.
What Is Known About the Future Product and Astro's Fate
Amazon is not disclosing the specifications, price, or market release timeline for the new home robot. The company only confirms its intention to develop personal robotics further. Meanwhile, some Astro owners have expressed concerns regarding the cessation of device support, complaining about limited capabilities and a lack of integration with the new Alexa+ voice assistant. Amazon assured that it continues to service existing customers, though the company has not specified exact support timelines or firmware updates for Astro. Thus, the new project serves as both a chance for Amazon to correct past mistakes and a test of its ability to turn laboratory prototypes into mass consumer products.
