Amazon unveils AI-powered Ring security drones, raises privacy concerns

Amazon is launching two new AI-driven security devices, the Ring Rover Cam and Ring Drone Cam, designed to autonomously patrol homes and businesses using on-device sensors, vision models, and cloud processing. The devices map indoor spaces during setup and use AI to identify patrol points near doors, windows, or sensitive areas. The Ring Drone, a successor to a 2021 product, requires FCC approval before sale and would follow pre-set routes for customers with a Ring Protect subscription. The expansion of AI-enabled surveillance raises new privacy risks, compounding existing concerns about fixed Ring cameras. Amazon aims to release the Rover Cam by late 2026 and the Drone Cam in early 2027, with the drone available for pre-registration starting January 2027.