Brutkey

AkaSci 🛰️
@AkaSci@fosstodon.org

The rise and fall of iRobot, the maker of the Roomba vacuum cleaner, files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and seeks acquisition by contract manufacturer.

Founded in 1990 by 3 members of MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab, the company has struggled with declining sales and competing products.

iRobot will be acquired by its China-based primary contract manufacturer and lender, Picea Robotics.

https://www.businessinsider.com/irobot-roomba-bankruptcy-timeline-2025-12?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-announces-strategic-transaction-to-drive-long-term-growth-plan-302641744.html

1/n

AkaSci 🛰️
@AkaSci@fosstodon.org

The rise and fall of iRobot, the maker of the Roomba household vacuum cleaner.
2/n

AkaSci 🛰️
@AkaSci@fosstodon.org

Why iRobot fell from grace?
Regulators?
Not embracing LiDAR?
China’s industrial policy?
U.S. tariffs?
Cheaper copycats?

"iRobot’s demise was caused by a perfect storm of all these factors piling on to the company. More importantly, iRobot’s situation isn’t any way unique, and should serve as a warning to every major American technology brand. It’s also a lesson in why companies need to deal with existential threats when they have the time and cash to do so."

https://www.engadget.com/home/what-happened-to-irobot-can-happen-to-anyone-164500625.html
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