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Amazon Buys Sprout Robot Maker Fauna Robotics
25 Mar
Summary
- Amazon acquired the robotics startup Fauna Robotics recently.
- Fauna's Sprout robot is designed for social spaces, not heavy lifting.
- Fauna's founders and employees will join Amazon's New York team.
Amazon has officially welcomed Fauna Robotics into its family, acquiring the startup known for its social robot, Sprout. This recent deal bolsters Amazon's extensive robotics division, which already deploys over 1 million robots in warehouses. Fauna's Sprout robot, a compact 1.5-foot-tall companion, is distinct from Amazon's industrial robots, focusing instead on engaging interactions in social settings like homes and schools.
Fauna's CEO confirmed the New York-based firm will continue to operate as Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company. The acquisition aims to integrate Sprout's capabilities into Amazon's broader strategy for improving customer lives. Sprout, introduced in January, is more than just a robot; it's a developer platform for research into home robotics, with notable early backing from Disney.
The $50,000 Sprout robot showcases abilities beyond heavy lifting, including dancing and object manipulation. This move comes as Amazon seeks to strengthen its consumer robotics presence, following past challenges with similar ventures. The acquisition underscores Amazon's commitment to exploring innovative robotics for everyday use.
