Overseas: Amazon is launching Astro, the first home robot equipped with its Alexa smart home technology. The company says it can remotely control when the owner is not at home to check on pets, people or as a security guard. It can also automatically guard the house and notify the owner if it finds something wrong. Astro robots can also limit access to certain areas or disturb. It also has a button to turn off the camera and microphone, so it loses the ability to move. The mini-robot also features a periscope camera located above its head. Amazon has provided an example of using it to check for gas fumes that they forgot to turn off before leaving home.The company suggests that the $ 1,000 robot could help the elderly. Amzaon said the robot will be shipped later this year, but only in the United States. After the initial run, it will be priced at $ 1,449.