Amazon’s working on a robot.
Details about Amazon's home robot project leaked recently. What we learned is that the project, code-named Vesta, is in the "late-prototype stage."
The robot will be "powered" by Amazon's Alexa voice assistant and will feature cameras, a screen and a small compartment for carrying things. It might also come with a camera on the end of a retractable pole for helping users find stuff under the bed.
The company has more than 800 employees working on it.
The publication Insider has seen an internal Vesta document and has spoken to six anonymous sources directly involved in the program.
The robot may cost more than $1,000. Amazon is reportedly considering rolling it out, so to speak, in a limited, invitation-only beta.
The robot is being developed in Amazon's Silicon Valley R&D organization, called Lab126, which also developed the Kindle line, Amazon Echo and other successful Amazon consumer products, plus the Fire Phone.
The Fire Phone was a horrible product and a bad idea. And the company is haunted by its failure.
Amazon staff are reportedly worried about its prospects for success. Sources complained about "shifting strategies and delayed launch dates" and wondered whether Vesta will be a hit.
They’re right to be nervous. Here’s why Amazon’s Vesta is very unlikely to be successful.