iRobot

iRobot is an American robotics company founded in 1990 by Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle, and Helen Greiner, three researchers associated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. The company began by developing robots for research, space exploration, military applications, and hazardous environments before establishing a large consumer business around autonomous home-cleaning products. Its best-known product is Roomba, a family of robotic vacuum cleaners first introduced in 2002. Roomba helped move domestic service robots from specialist demonstrations into mainstream household appliances. The product line evolved from relatively simple battery-powered floor cleaners into connected devices with mapping, app control, room recognition, automatic dirt disposal, object identification, voice-assistant integration, and combined vacuuming and mopping functions. By 2020, the company reported that it had sold more than 30 million home robots. iRobot also developed Braava floor-mopping robots, originally based on technology from Evolution Robotics and its Mint product line. Other consumer products included the educational Create platform, Root coding robots, Scooba floor washers, pool-cleaning robots, gutter-cleaning robots, and experimental or discontinued products such as Terra robotic lawn mowers. The company’s earlier defense and security portfolio included PackBot, SUGV, Warrior, Negotiator, and other ground, underwater, and reconnaissance systems. PackBot robots were used for bomb disposal and reconnaissance by the U.S. military and in hazardous-response operations, including work connected with the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. iRobot sold this business in 2016 to concentrate more strongly on consumer products. The company expanded through acquisitions and partnerships. In 2012 it acquired Evolution Robotics, adding floor-mopping technology, and in 2019 it acquired Root Robotics, an educational robotics company. In 2021 it acquired Swiss air-purifier manufacturer Aeris Cleantec AG and subsequently marketed Aeris-designed air purifiers. In 2016, iRobot sold its defense business to Arlington Capital Partners; that operation later became part of Teledyne FLIR. Amazon announced a proposed acquisition of iRobot in August 2022. The transaction was initially valued at approximately $1.7 billion, but the price was later reduced after iRobot raised additional debt. Competition authorities in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union examined the deal, with regulators considering both competition in robot vacuums and the implications of combining Amazon’s marketplace position with data generated by household robots. Amazon and iRobot abandoned the transaction in January 2024. Following the termination, iRobot announced substantial workforce reductions and Colin Angle left the chief executive role; Gary Cohen became chief executive in May 2024. The supplied reference material reports that iRobot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in December 2025 and entered a restructuring arrangement involving Shenzhen Picea Robotics and Santrum Hong Kong. Because the material does not establish the outcome of that process beyond the reported filing and proposed transaction, the company’s present ownership and operating status remain uncertain in this dossier.

iRobot was established in 1990 by Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle, and Helen Greiner after their work at MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. The company was initially incorporated in California as IS Robotics and later reincorporated in Massachusetts. Its early work covered experimental robots for research, space exploration, defense, and hazardous environments rather than a single consumer category. A DARPA research contract in 1998 contributed to the development of PackBot, a remotely operated and semi-autonomous robot used for reconnaissance, explosive-ordnance disposal, and other dangerous missions. PackBot became one of iRobot’s most significant non-consumer platforms, seeing use with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan and in emergency-response contexts. Other defense projects included the SUGV, Warrior, Negotiator, and underwater systems. An iRobot Seaglider also gathered information about underwater oil following the Deepwater Horizon spill, while PackBot robots were used in data-gathering work at Fukushima Daiichi. The company’s consumer transformation began with Roomba, unveiled in September 2002. The compact autonomous vacuum cleaner reached one million units sold by 2004 and made iRobot a prominent name in domestic robotics. In 2005 the company won a patent-infringement case involving an unauthorized Roomba clone and began trading on NASDAQ under IRBT. iRobot broadened its household portfolio with products such as Scooba floor washers, Braava moppers, Verro and Mirra pool-cleaning robots, Looj gutter-cleaning robots, and Dirt Dog workshop cleaners. In 2012 iRobot acquired Evolution Robotics, bringing the Mint floor-mopping technology into its portfolio. Mint was subsequently developed and sold under the Braava name. Roomba technology advanced through camera-based visual simultaneous localization and mapping, Wi-Fi connectivity, room mapping, automatic dirt disposal, and cloud-connected software. The Roomba 980, introduced in 2015, was an important step toward mapped and app-controlled cleaning. The Roomba i7 and i7+ in 2018 expanded saved floor plans and automatic dirt disposal, while the S9+ introduced a different body shape and stronger cleaning capabilities. The company acquired Root Robotics in 2019, adding an education-focused coding platform, and acquired Aeris Cleantec AG in 2021. In 2022 iRobot introduced iRobot OS as a software platform intended to improve household understanding, object recognition, voice interaction, and personalized cleaning behavior. The Roomba Combo, launched that year, combined vacuuming and mopping and could lift its mop when moving onto carpet. Strategically, iRobot reduced its exposure to defense robotics. It sold the Defense & Security unit in 2016 to Arlington Capital Partners; the resulting business later became part of Teledyne FLIR. The company also postponed its Terra robotic lawn-mower program in 2020 and the Root product line was later acquired by SAM Labs in 2024. Amazon announced plans to acquire iRobot in August 2022. Regulators examined the deal, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission’s requests for information, the United Kingdom’s competition review, and the European Commission’s formal investigation. Concerns included Amazon’s ability to disadvantage competing robot-vacuum sellers and the implications of access to household data such as floor plans. The offer was reduced after iRobot raised new debt, and the transaction was terminated in January 2024. iRobot paid a reverse termination fee, reduced its workforce, and experienced a chief-executive transition from Colin Angle to Gary Cohen. The supplied reference material states that iRobot filed for Chapter 11 protection in December 2025 under a restructuring support agreement involving Shenzhen Picea Robotics, described as a major manufacturing partner, and Santrum Hong Kong. The final ownership and post-bankruptcy operating structure are not established by the available material.

• 2025

  Chapter 11 filing reported

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  The supplied reference reports a Chapter 11 filing and proposed restructuring transaction.

• 2024

  Amazon transaction terminated

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  Amazon and iRobot ended their proposed merger following regulatory scrutiny.

• 2022

  iRobot OS announced

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  The company introduced a software platform for improved personalization, recognition, and voice interaction.

• 2016

  Defense business sold

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  iRobot divested its defense and security unit to focus on consumer robotics.

• 2012

  Evolution Robotics acquired

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  The deal brought Mint floor-mopping technology into iRobot’s portfolio.

• 2005

  NASDAQ listing

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  iRobot began trading publicly under the symbol IRBT.

• 2002

  Roomba introduced

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  iRobot unveiled its first flagship autonomous home vacuum cleaner.

• 1998

  DARPA contract supports PackBot development

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  Defense research work helped produce PackBot, a platform for reconnaissance and hazardous missions.

• 1990

  Company founded

  [1]iRoboten.wikipedia.org

  Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle, and Helen Greiner founded the company after working at MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.

Technology-led, connected home-cleaning robotics positioned from mainstream to premium household-appliance segments, emphasizing autonomous navigation, convenience, mapping, software, and cleaning performance.

• Robot vacuum cleaner · 2002

  Roomba

  Roomba is iRobot’s principal robotic-vacuum family, first released in 2002. Models use rechargeable batteries and may return automatically to docking stations. Later generations added visual mapping, Wi-Fi and app control, saved floor plans, carpet-specific cleaning behavior, automatic dirt disposal, object recognition, and integration with iRobot OS. The Roomba Combo variants add mopping and can raise the mop when crossing carpet.

• Floor-mopping robot · 2013

  Braava

  Braava is iRobot’s hard-floor mopping range. It supports damp and dry cleaning with disposable or microfiber cloths. The line developed from Evolution Robotics’ Mint products after iRobot acquired that company in 2012, with navigation technologies designed to guide the robot through defined floor areas.

• Educational and hobby robot · 2007

  Create

  Create is a programmable robot platform released in 2007 for experimentation and education. Users can add sensors, grippers, computers, wireless connections, and other hardware, making it a development platform rather than a finished household appliance.

• Educational coding robot · 2019

  Root

  Root is an educational robot designed to teach children coding through tablet or smartphone programming. iRobot acquired Root Robotics in 2019. The reference material states that the Root product line was acquired by SAM Labs in 2024.

• Defense and security robot · 1998

  PackBot

  PackBot is a family of remotely operated and semi-autonomous robots for reconnaissance, explosive-ordnance disposal, situational awareness, and hazardous-response work. The platform was developed with support from defense research and was deployed by the U.S. military and in disaster-response environments. iRobot sold its defense business in 2016.

• Floor-washing robot · 2005

  Scooba

  Scooba was a floor-washing robot for hard surfaces. Early versions used a specialized non-bleach solution or vinegar, while later models could use water. iRobot discontinued the line in favor of Braava mopping products.

• Robotic lawn mower · 2019

  Terra

  Terra was a planned robotic lawn mower using wireless localization, mapping, boundary instructions, and a docking station. It entered a beta program in Germany and the United States, but the program was indefinitely postponed in 2020.

• 2021

  iRobot reports Roomba software-update problems

  iRobot confirmed that a recently released software update caused problems for some Roomba i7 and s9 robots and said it was working on a patch expected in the coming weeks.

  Source

• 2019

  SharkNinja filed a patent non-infringement lawsuit against iRobot

  SharkNinja Operating LLC filed a complaint against iRobot in Delaware seeking a ruling that the Shark IQ Robot does not infringe certain iRobot patents. SharkNinja said it filed in response to an iRobot letter accusing it of infringement.

  Source

Read more

• 2025

  Bankruptcy restructuring and proposed acquisitionM&A

  Background

  The supplied reference reports that iRobot sought Chapter 11 protection while facing financial and strategic pressure.

  Action taken

  iRobot reportedly entered a restructuring support agreement involving Shenzhen Picea Robotics and Santrum Hong Kong.

  Aftermath

  The available material does not establish the final court-approved ownership or the company’s post-restructuring operating status.

  Source

• 2022

  Proposed sale to AmazonM&A

  Background

  Amazon sought to acquire iRobot amid increasing interest in connected-home devices and robotic cleaning.

  Action taken

  Amazon announced a proposed acquisition initially valued at approximately $1.7 billion; the offer was later reduced after iRobot raised new debt.

  Aftermath

  The deal was terminated in January 2024 following regulatory scrutiny. The transaction’s termination involved a reported $94 million reverse breakup fee, workforce reductions, and the departure of Colin Angle.

  Proposed acquisition value. $1.7 billion → $1.42 billion (2022-2023)

  Source

• 2016

  Exit from defense and security roboticsStrategy

  Background

  iRobot operated both consumer and defense robotics businesses but increasingly emphasized household products.

  Action taken

  The company sold its Defense & Security unit to Arlington Capital Partners.

  Aftermath

  The divested operation became Endeavor Robotics and later part of Teledyne FLIR, while iRobot concentrated on consumer robotics.

  Source

• 2021.11.18

  Reported2021.11.18

  iRobot acquires Aeris Cleantec[5]iRobot 收购 Aeris Cleantecprnewswire.com

  iRobot announced that it had acquired privately held Aeris Cleantec AG, a provider of premium air purifiers. Financial terms were not disclosed.

• 2021.10.26

  Reported2021.10.26

  iRobot and Bona announce exclusive partnership[6]iRobot与Bona宣布独家合作twice.com

  iRobot and Bona announced an exclusive partnership to provide Bona floor-cleaning solutions and microfiber pads designed for the iRobot Braava jet m6 robot mop, with sales in the U.S. and Canada.

• 2021.09.09

  Reported2021.09.09

  iRobot releases Genius 3.0 features across its connected robot portfolio[7]iRobot在其联网机器人产品系列中推出Genius 3.0功能prnewswire.com

  iRobot announced that iRobot Genius 3.0 was available across its entire portfolio of connected robots, bringing new personalization, control and automation features to customers.

• 2021.02.25

  Reported2021.02.25

  iRobot reports Roomba software-update problems[4]iRobot reports Roomba software-update problemsfinance.sina.com.cn

  iRobot confirmed that a recently released software update caused problems for some Roomba i7 and s9 robots and said it was working on a patch expected in the coming weeks.

• Unconfirmed

  Reported2020.09.17

  iRobot launches Roomba i3 and i3 Plus[8]iRobot推出Roomba i3和i3 Plustech.sina.com.cn

  iRobot launched the midrange i3 Plus robot vacuum for $599 and the i3 for $399. The i3 Plus includes an automatic dirt-disposal station; the i3 does not. The models became available in the United States and Canada, with international availability planned for the following year's first quarter.

• 2020.08.26

  iRobot launches iRobot Genius home intelligence platform[9]iRobot发布iRobot Genius家庭智能平台donews.com

  iRobot launched the iRobot Genius home intelligence platform, which adds digital features and product experiences for Wi-Fi-connected Roomba and Braava jet products.

• 2020.08.25

  Reported2020.08.25

  iRobot unveils Genius software platform[10]iRobot推出Genius软件平台bostonglobe.com

  iRobot unveiled iRobot Genius, a software platform accessible via a new mobile app for its Wi-Fi-connected cleaning robots. The software is available to customers for free via a software update.

• 2020.08.25

  Reported2020.08.25

  iRobot launches Genius Home Intelligence platform[11]iRobot推出Genius Home Intelligence平台prnewswire.com

  iRobot unveiled and launched iRobot Genius Home Intelligence, a robot platform offering digital features and experiences for its Wi-Fi-connected products.

• 2020.05.18

  Reported2020.05.19

  Ecovacs and iRobot sign product-purchase and technology-licensing agreements[12]科沃斯与iRobot签署产品采购及技术授权协议finance.sina.com.cn

  Ecovacs and iRobot signed agreements under which iRobot will exclusively purchase specified Ecovacs-designed robot vacuum-mop products and license Aeroforce technology and related intellectual property to Ecovacs.

• 2019.11.07

  Reported2019.11.06

  iRobot enables Wi-Fi coverage maps for Roomba 9-series robots[13]iRobot为Roomba 9系扫地机器人推出Wi-Fi覆盖地图功能jd.zol.com.cn

  iRobot made a Wi-Fi coverage map feature available across the Roomba 9-series lineup, allowing the robots to detect wireless signal strength in users’ homes and display a coverage map in the iRobot HOME app.

Read more(14)

1. 1iRoboten.wikipedia.org
2. 2iRobot official websiteirobot.com
3. 3SharkNinja filed a patent non-infringement lawsuit against iRobotprnewswire.com
4. 4iRobot reports Roomba software-update problemsfinance.sina.com.cn
5. 5iRobot 收购 Aeris Cleantecprnewswire.com
6. 6iRobot与Bona宣布独家合作twice.com
7. 7iRobot在其联网机器人产品系列中推出Genius 3.0功能prnewswire.com
8. 8iRobot推出Roomba i3和i3 Plustech.sina.com.cn
9. 9iRobot发布iRobot Genius家庭智能平台donews.com
10. 10iRobot推出Genius软件平台bostonglobe.com
11. 11iRobot推出Genius Home Intelligence平台prnewswire.com
12. 12科沃斯与iRobot签署产品采购及技术授权协议finance.sina.com.cn
13. 13iRobot为Roomba 9系扫地机器人推出Wi-Fi覆盖地图功能jd.zol.com.cn
14. 14iRobot下调2019年业绩指引finance.sina.com.cn
15. 15iRobot 在中国发布 Braava Jet M6ifanr.com
16. 16iRobot宣布推出Braava jet m6擦地机器人tech.sina.com.cn
17. 17每周拖三次地太累？iRobot发布擦地机器人来帮忙tech.sina.com.cn
18. 18iRobot推出新型擦地机器人——开启地面清洁新方式finance.sina.com.cn