Astro, Amazon's robot you send to check a room in the house when you are away

When you are away from home, you can send Astro to check a room, a person or an object, Amazon says. The robot also sends an alert if it spots a person it does not recognise, or certain sounds, while you are out.

According to the manufacturer, Astro finds its own way around the home and goes where it is needed. When nobody is using it, it stays close by, ready to help.

Users can also program routines. Amazon gives the example of Astro reading out traffic conditions at rush hour or reminding you to feed the pet.

To protect privacy, a single button turns off the microphones, the cameras and movement, according to Amazon. The Astro app also lets users mark out areas the robot is not allowed to enter.

Patrols require an extra service. According to Amazon, users must subscribe to Ring Home Premium or activate the Ring Home Trial for Astro to patrol on its own initiative, look into activity and record videos in Ring's online storage, where they can be kept for up to 180 days.