Amazon has purchased Fauna Robotics, nearly two months after the startup launched a humanoid robot named Sprout intended to be a welcoming presence in social environments such as homes and schools.

The e-commerce titan is already a leader in robotics, having claimed the use of over 1 million robots in its warehouse activities, but introducing the 1.5-foot-tall, rectangular-headed Sprout adds a robot focused on engaging interactions rather than heavy lifting.

Fauna CEO Rob Cochran shared on social media that he was "extremely thrilled to announce that Fauna Robotics has officially become part of the Amazon family" and mentioned that the New York-based company will now "function as Fauna Robotics, an Amazon subsidiary."

Amazon announced that the company's founders and staff will be collaborating with Amazon in New York, seeking "innovative approaches to enhance and simplify our customers' lives."

Also Read: AI & Tech: Visionary Pre-Budget Insights from Industry Leaders

Fauna's first product, released in January, is a software developer platform that goes beyond being merely a robot, marketed to academic and corporate research labs investigating home robotics. Initial clients encompassed Disney.

The $50,000 Sprout isn't capable of lifting heavy items, but it can perform the Twist or the Floss, pick up a toy block or teddy bear, or rise from a chair to go for a walk.

Also Read: NVIDIA's Rubin Moment at CES: AI Supercomputing Breakthrough

Amazon, known for its artificial intelligence assistant Alexa found in numerous households, has encountered difficulties in recent years while trying to expand into consumer robotics.

In 2024, Amazon abandoned its acquisition of robot vacuum manufacturer iRobot due to regulatory challenges in Europe and the United States.

Also Read: AI Autonomy Race: How Advanced are Top Countries' AI Strategies?

Amazon operates based on four principles: prioritizing customer obsession over competitor focus, a passion for innovation, dedication to operational excellence, and a focus on long-term goals. They aim to be the most customer-focused company on Earth, the top employer on Earth, and the safest workplace on Earth.