The Evolution of Home Robotics: Roomba's Legacy and Future

The Massachusetts-based company iRobot has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, transitioning ownership to its primary manufacturer, Picea Robotics. According to Engadget, this move aims to maintain operations and pursue product development, ensuring that Roomba vacuums will continue functioning without disruption. iRobot's struggles followed a failed $1.7 billion acquisition by Amazon due to regulatory challenges, which diminished its market presence significantly.

The Verge highlights that despite pioneering the robotic vacuum market with the Roomba in 2002, iRobot faced intense competition from cheaper alternatives and failed to innovate quickly enough, leading to a dramatic decline in its market share from 88% in 2018 to just 30% by 2022.

Former CEO Colin Angle attributed part of the company's downfall to government regulations that stifled potential growth. Although iRobot launched new models earlier in 2025, they failed to invigorate sales, leading to a near 50% revenue drop by the end of that year.

As the company navigates this restructuring phase, it aims to stabilize its financial standing and continue its legacy in home robotics.