Amazon Is Developing a “New to World” Home Robot to Operate “Alongside Family Members”
In a bold bet reminiscent of Jeff Bezos’ early vision, Amazon is rekindling its efforts to bring a household robot into millions of homes. After its $1,450 Astro robot failed to gain widespread adoption, the company has reassembled a new team focused on a “new to world robot product,” according to job listings analyzed by CNBC.
The new robot, described in job postings, is designed to navigate “dynamic home environments” and operate “autonomously alongside family members.” In a recent engineer job listing, the company stated, “Robots are about to step out of the movies and into our homes.”
Amazon, known for its long term bets, has a history of pushing the boundaries of consumer technology. CEO Andy Jassy emphasized this approach in his latest annual letter, stating that artificial intelligence and robotics are among the “biggest inflections of our lifetime.” Analysts expect the humanoid market to surge, with Barclays forecasting a global market reaching $40 billion by 2035 and potentially hitting $200 billion in the most optimistic scenarios.
Amazon recently brought in an MIT roboticist and redeployed the Astro team to work on the home robot project. In March, the company acquired New York based Fauna Robotics, which developed a 3.5 foot tall humanoid called Sprout. Fauna’s robots are now part of Amazon’s Personal Robotics Group, which also includes Lab126, the unit behind many of Amazon’s most successful consumer hardware products.
Job postings hint at an effort to “create robots that are not just functional, but delightful.” For instance, a recent job listing sought a “Field Support Engineer” to assist with customer support and on site repair, while another sought a user experience designer to define the experience of living with a Fauna robot. Amazon spokesperson Brad Glasser stated, “Our goal is simple: make robots people actually want to live and interact with in everyday human spaces.”
Despite Astro’s limited success, Amazon’s approach remains grounded in the belief that it can unlock the potential of personal robotics. Glasser noted, “We’re optimistic about a future where personal robots are helping people in meaningful ways in everyday life, and we intend to play an important role in making that future a reality.”
The home environment presents unique challenges for robots, according to Jeff Burnstein, president of the trade group Association for Advancing Automation. “The home is a completely different space,” he said. “Children, pets, grandparents, stairways. Nobody’s home is set up exactly the same, so it’s a much more challenging environment for a robot.”
Advances in AI, sensors, battery systems, and actuators have spurred a new wave of development in robotics. Companies like Tesla, Apptronik, Boston Dynamics, and Agility Robotics are all working on humanoid robots. Apple is reportedly working on several home robot projects, including a tabletop device that resembles the Pixar lamp.
Amazon’s long term view on new markets like personal robotics is typical of its strategy. Glasser stated, “Astro was designed to help Amazon build competencies and focus its ambition. The company has applied many of the learnings, talent, and experience from Astro into its other robotics efforts.”
In Facebook groups for Astro owners, some users have complained of diminished customer service and noted that Amazon’s AI assistant, Alexa, isn’t supported on Astro. This has led some to speculate that Astro could be discontinued. However, Glasser confirmed that Amazon continues to support Astro customers.
While Astro’s functionality and price point made it a tough sell for many consumers, the company remains optimistic about the future. Joe Martin, an Astro owner, expressed interest in a more capable home robot: “If it could bring a drink to me or dust furniture, I’d be intrigued by that. I think that’s right around the corner.”
As Amazon pushes forward with its new robot, the industry is on the cusp of a significant shift, with many companies vying to make robots a staple of everyday life.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/11/08/amazon-home-robot-fauna-sprout.html