Ring, the Amazon-owned home security company, announced the creation of Ring Robotics and introduced two autonomous security devices intended for residential and commercial use.
Devices introduced
-
Ring Drone Cam: Described by Ring as a “flying indoor security camera,” the drone is designed to move between rooms to inspect activity inside a home. It records video in 2K, includes LED lights for low-light recording, and docks when not in use. The drone integrates with Ring’s other home security devices so that, for example, it can fly to a location where an alarm triggers. It can be controlled through Amazon’s Alexa Home Map and scheduled to patrol at set times. Ring says the Ring Drone Cam will be available on January 27, 2027, priced at $270.
-
Ring Rover Cam: This wheeled patrol robot is aimed at businesses and can be scheduled to follow specific routes at designated times. The Rover streams continuous 4K video accessible via Ring’s mobile app and can be set to automatically record when it detects a human. It includes a periscope-style camera to see over obstacles and offers two-way audio so remote users can speak with people on site. The Ring Rover Cam will be on sale starting December 16, 2026, at a price of $1,000.
AI and mapping
Both devices run on Ring’s proprietary AI system called AI Pilot. According to the company, AI Pilot uses “specialized vision models, sensors, and cloud processing” to allow the devices to perceive, reason, and navigate autonomously. Ring says the robots can build a detailed schematic of a house or office by exploring the space themselves.
Privacy and security measures
Ring states the new products were developed with privacy and security in mind. Video recorded by both devices is protected by the company’s TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), which Ring describes as its strongest default encryption to date. The company did not specify whether local video storage will be offered; Ring’s cameras typically record to the cloud.
Background and concerns
Automated security remains a difficult problem for the tech industry. Amazon previously launched a consumer robot called Amazon Astro, later repositioned as an enterprise security product, but the device did not achieve widespread adoption and was eventually discontinued.
Ring has faced longstanding privacy criticisms, with allegations that its cameras have helped create informal surveillance networks that law enforcement agencies can access. Given the increased surveillance capabilities of both a mobile indoor drone and a roving patrol robot, similar privacy and legal concerns are likely to reappear around these new products.
What this means for users
Ring’s new robotics offerings expand its security portfolio: the Ring Drone Cam provides an automated, mobile option for home monitoring, while the Ring Rover Cam is targeted at store and business surveillance. The Rover becomes available December 16, 2026, for $1,000; the Drone ships January 27, 2027, for $270. Potential customers should weigh the convenience and coverage these devices offer against the privacy, ethical, and legal issues they raise.
