Vesta, Amazon's long-rumored home robot, is currently at its late-prototype phase, a new leak recently revealed, although it may launch as what's described as a limited invite-only product.
The product's code name, Vesta, according to Tome's Guide, has reportedly been in progress for four years now, and now, it involves over 800 employees.
However, according to a report, numerous problems have been affected, and staff at Amazon are cynical about its prospects.
According to an Insider report, it has been an inside document about the secret home robot. The digital research firm also said it had spoken to six people involved directly in the invention, on anonymity condition.
Furthermore, the said sources present in detail a catalog of shifting strategies and deferred launch dates, and the question of Vesta will prove famous with consumers.
ALSO READ: Boston Dynamics Robots Hit the Dance Floor in Latest Video
The 'Home Secret Robot'
As specified in the said leak, one Vesta model is roughly the same size equivalent to two small cats, which is roughly 10 to 13 inches wide, although apparently, it depends on the cat.
In addition, the design is seemingly the same as an image posted by Jeff Bezos, Amazon Founder, and CEO, on Instagram that featured an Echo devise attached to a Roomba robot vacuum cleaner.
Essentially, Amazon has put a huge, not to mention, growing team to work behind this secretive home-robot project.
However, production postponements and worries about market appeal resulted in some employees becoming apprehensive over the yet-to-be-revealed device will yet be another huge failure like Amazon's Fire Phone, which cost almost $200 million.
A Smart 'Home Devec'
According to IGN Southeast Asia, aside from the speculative information suggesting that this home robot will be roughly the size of two small cats, hypothetically, it will be able to move around as well as explore an area just like a furry cat, as its voice-activated assistant would roll about on its wheel.
Additionally, the robot will work as a home automation hub by reacting to comments, not to mention interfacing with other smart devices designed for home use.
Moreover, Vesta is said to be equipped with a screen, microphone, and numerous cameras. It will possibly be designed too, with sensors.
The said added features would help make the home robot o Amazon one of the more advanced and modern of its type, with some of the built-in devices used to observe surroundings for an ecological factor-like humidity, air quality, and temperature.
Other Features to Expect from 'Vesta'
This Amazon home robot, as explained on LJP Tech's YouTube Video below, may have other added features to expect, too, like a small compartment that can carry objects. It may also be designed with a waist-high retractable pole with a camera with the ability to act as another pair of eyes when a user misplaces something around his home.
As useful and functional as everything sounds, some Amazon employees have reportedly shown concern over if the robot will find a consumer base if it ever reaches the market.
If this secret home robot does sooner or later hit the market, then it is believed that it could first be launched as a "limited invite-only" item, as a means of seemingly measuring reactions and interest before stocking up the inventory.
Lastly, it may sound like a smart plan to the public, specifically since a new study, according to Emory News, found that humans prefer AI robots to have a physical appearance akin to humans, at least, up to a certain point.
RELATED ARTICLE: Infrastructure Technology Can Add the Sense of Touch to AR and VR Experiences
Check out more news and information on Robotics on Science Times.