9 months ago
iRobot Files for Bankruptcy, Ending Roomba Era
Roomba was a popular robot vacuum cleaner made by iRobot.
It was created by MIT professors and became very successful.
However, iRobot recently filed for bankruptcy.
This happened because other companies made cheaper vacuums, and iRobot had to pay a lot in tariffs.
Amazon tried to buy iRobot but couldn't because of rules from European regulators.
Even though iRobot is gone, the company that bought it will keep supporting Roomba vacuums.
Many people remember Roomba fondly, even though newer models had extra features that didn't always help.
iRobot, the maker of Roomba, has filed for bankruptcy due to competition and tariffs.
Roomba was a pioneering home robot vacuum cleaner launched in 2002.
Amazon's attempted $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot was blocked by European regulators.
Chinese manufacturer Picea Robotics has acquired iRobot and will continue customer support.
Roomba's legacy is remembered fondly despite newer models with less useful features.
- Who
- iRobot, a company founded by MIT professors
- What
- Filed for bankruptcy, ending the Roomba era
- Where
- United States
- When
- 2024
- Why
- Struggled with foreign competition, tariffs, and failed Amazon acquisition
Key facts
- Company
- iRobot
- Product
- Roomba
- Bankruptcy Filing
- 2024
- Unpaid Tariffs
- $3.4 million
- Acquirer
- Picea Robotics
- Founding Year
- 1990
- First Roomba Launch
- 2002
- Original Price
- $200
Quotes
Colin Angle
Co-founder and former CEO of iRobot
“This is nothing short of a tragedy for consumers, the robotics industry, and America's innovation economy.”
CNBC TV 18




