Amazon Puts Rolling Security Camera on Wheels for Commercial Use

Businesses can now buy a rolling security camera that moves through their facility for $999.99. Amazon is selling the Ring Rover Cam to commercial clients who want to monitor large spaces without the expense of wiring permanent cameras. The device is available for preorder now, and the company plans to start shipping units on December 16.

The hardware is a commercial variant of the Astro home robot, which Amazon first introduced in 2021. In 2023, the company launched a similar product called Astro for Business at a price of $2,349.99. That specific model was discontinued one year after its release. The new Rover Cam is priced at half the cost of its predecessor.

The robot moves on two large wheels that allow it to traverse uneven terrain and small obstacles. It is limited to operating on a single floor. For multi-level buildings, operators must deploy multiple units or pair the device with the new Ring Drone Cam. The Rover Cam is designed for facilities of approximately 5,000 square feet. Its battery life is estimated at 30 minutes.

Operators can manually dispatch the unit to specific rooms or pre-programmed routes. The robot also automatically travels to locations where another Ring device has triggered an alarm. Upon reaching a destination, the unit performs a 360-degree scan. This allows staff to investigate disturbances from a remote location without sending a person to the site.

The camera system has been upgraded from the original Astro design. The extending periscope now captures video in 4K resolution. Users can program the camera to raise and lower to specific heights. This feature allows the unit to see over counters and shelving units that might otherwise block the line of sight. The robot continuously streams and records video during its movement.

The device replaces the Astro's cupholder with a permanent stubby tower. This tower houses a siren and a flashing red light intended to deter intruders. It also projects a blue ring of light onto the ceiling to help staff locate the robot in large spaces. The Rover Cam no longer includes access to the Alexa voice assistant. The screen now displays status messages, such as recording indicators, instead of animations. The microphone and speakers are dedicated to two-way talk functionality.