Amazon has acquired Fauna Robotics, a New York-based startup known for its humanoid robot, Sprout. The deal marks Amazon’s second robotics acquisition this month, signaling increased investment in the consumer humanoid market.
Sprout, launched in January, is a 50-pound, 3.5-foot robot designed for social interaction in spaces like homes and schools. While not capable of heavy lifting, it can perform actions like dancing and grabbing objects. Fauna’s platform is geared towards research and development, with early customers including Disney.
Fauna Robotics will operate as “Fauna Robotics, an Amazon company,” with its founders and employees joining Amazon’s team in New York. The company aims to find “new ways to make our customers’ lives better and easier.” Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
This acquisition follows Amazon’s previously halted purchase of iRobot, facing regulatory challenges. Amazon already utilizes over 1 million robots in its warehouse operations and also produces the Alexa AI assistant.