Ring cameras go mobile as Amazon debuts AI-powered security drone and robot

Amazon is betting that many Ring customers will also want an AI-powered security drone and robot patrolling their homes or offices. But the company’s upcoming Ring Robotic products are also certain to intensify privacy concerns previously raised around a prior Amazon attempt to popularize a flying security camera.

The Ring Rover Cam and Ring Drone Cam are expected to reach customers starting at the end of 2026 and in early 2027, respectively, according to an Amazon announcement posted on November 10. Amazon describes the devices as relying on an AI Pilot system that uses each device’s cameras along with “specialized vision models, on-device sensors and cloud processing” to plan patrol routes while autonomously navigating around obstacles such as furniture.

Both devices also use that AI Pilot system to digitally map the floor plan of the customer’s home or business. This setup process occurs after the customer carries the Ring drone through their indoor spaces or allows the Ring Rover to do some autonomous exploration.

The AI Pilot can supposedly use that guided- or self-tour information to identify specific rooms and suggest patrol points near side doors, windows, or even sensitive locations such as a cash register in the case of a business.

However, flying and roving cameras with AI-enabled features could introduce new privacy risks for homes and businesses, on top of existing concerns involving fixed Ring cameras installed in room corners or as doorbell cameras.

Return of the Ring drone

Amazon’s Ring Drone appears to be a direct successor to the company’s Ring Always Home Cam that was only temporarily available for purchase by invitation as a “Day 1 Edition” product in September 2021—even having the same starting price of $250.

But the Ring Drone still requires authorization from the Federal Communications Commission before going on sale. Assuming that comes through, Amazon aims to make the drone available on January 27, 2027, with customers able to register for email updates through the product page.

The drone can supposedly follow a set route and schedule for customers who subscribe to the Amazon Ring Protect plan. It can automatically fly along those set routes when responding to a notification from a Ring camera, sensor, or alarm.