The big picture: Nosotros've been talking and thinking about robots for decades at present. Betwixt Isaac Asimov's seminal science fiction writing on the subject, Star Wars heroes R2-D2, C-3PO and BB-viii, and the innumerable other movies, Television receiver shows, comics and other media that they've inspired, robots have go a part of mainstream civilization. Simply, despite grandiose predictions over the years, they've yet to take any kind of existent impact on our daily lives.

Robotic vacuums from companies like iRobot have become very popular, but they aren't exactly the kind of anthropomorphic machines that most people acquaintance with the idea of a robot. Enter Amazon'southward new Astro, a limited availability $999 device that's 1 of the commencement robots designed to collaborate with people inside their homes.

Amazon's positioning of Astro focuses on its ability to function as a combination mobile domicile security photographic camera, information and entertainment service (via Alexa) on wheels, and communications tool to connect with family unit and loved ones. But there's absolutely no denying that it'due south too a personality-imbued digital companion.

Even the proper name is a chip of a giveaway (though it's unlikely Amazon would actually admit to this)—at least for those of us with long memories. The Jetsons cartoon serial from the early 1960s featured a comical vision of a futurity family, complete with robots of all types, and their dog was named Astro. In some ways, I'd argue, it looks similar Amazon's Astro is a kind of digital domestic dog that follows you effectually and wants to help you lot out.

The deviation, of course, is that the robot Astro is a Wi-Fi connected, digital device, powered by a Snapdragon CPU, running an operating system based on Fire Bone and Linux, with a 10" touchscreen, stereo speakers, a USB-C port and two digital cameras—one that'southward built into the touchscreen with v MP resolution, and another with 12 MP resolution and an integrated IR sensor that's at the end of a retractable periscope that extends 42" inches above the basis from Astro's back.

What's most fascinating about Astro is that information technology simultaneously highlights the technological progress we've fabricated towards creating a consumer-friendly robot as well equally how much further nosotros nevertheless have to go. On the one hand, information technology seems to skillfully integrate a number of important technologies, sensors and AI-powered software advancements into a cute, functional package. On the other mitt, it tin can't climb whatsoever steps and the lack of any type of robotic arm severely limits some of the more advanced capabilities that I'k certain many people would similar to see available in a personal robot. To put it practically, yes, Astro can bring you lot a common cold beer or other beverage, but some other human (on the aforementioned flooring) must put the potable into Astro's carrying expanse in the first place.

Yet, it offers promise most what is still to come. Amazon has made it clear that Astro is just the first of its efforts in the consumer-focused robotics field. Though details on this are withal a bit unclear, at that place will somewhen exist ways to personalize Astro and extend its capabilities. At some point in the future, Amazon is expected to offer a software development kit that will allow other companies bring boosted functions and, perhaps, personality traits to the device (along with the hordes of hobbyists that may turn this into i hot gadget).

The born USB-C port tin be used to attach accessories to Astro, with the first few being a wireless blood pressure monitor from Omron (emphasizing the potential digital caregiving office Astro might be able to play), a Furbo domestic dog treat dispenser, and custom storage container from Ziploc.

Out of the box, the capabilities of Astro certainly look to exist intriguing, with the ability to have a roving screen and a constant source of information or entertainment (via Alexa) likely proving to exist appealing to some. The ability to periscope up a photographic camera and visually check on things, like an oven setting, an alarm, a pet, or fifty-fifty a loved one, is also going to exist a compelling benefit for some users. It's unfortunate the screen tin't periscope upward besides, but apparently that would cause remainder bug with Astro.

At the same fourth dimension, it'due south clear that the toll point (which jumps up to $1,449 once the initial limited Day i editions versions are gone) and the functions included certainly won't appeal to everyone. Plus, there will exist the inevitable concerns about privacy that are bound to exist raised from a multiple photographic camera-equipped, internet-continued device inside your domicile. Information technology seems pretty clear to me that intentionally bringing a robot into your home completely changes the expectations around many of these problems. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that part of what you want with something like an Astro is to view what'due south going on inside your home when you aren't there.

To Amazon's credit, the Visual ID face identification feature is opt-in (significant, you lot have to agree to plough it on and use it) and that the facial recognition data is stored only on the device. The company besides provides obvious visual clues when the onboard cameras are on to help ensure that camera information isn't being sent when you don't want it to be, and information technology offers a simple way to immediately plough the cameras off.

Ultimately, though, I have to admit to being nigh intrigued by the digital companion and personality-driven features of Astro. Sony's line of Aibo robotic dogs hinted at this, but their significantly higher cost and lack of practical features kept it equally little more than a niche, electronic marvel. With Astro, Amazon is taking on a significantly more ambitious goal, and despite its obvious limitations, I tin can see information technology triggering an exciting new era of personal robotics.

Bob O'Donnell is the founder and chief annotator of TECHnalysis Research, LLC a technology consulting firm that provides strategic consulting and market enquiry services to the technology industry and professional person financial community. You can follow him on Twitter @bobodtech.