iRobot files for bankruptcy

Published: Monday, December 15, 2025 at 6:11 am

iRobot, Maker of Roomba, Files for Bankruptcy, Set for Acquisition

iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba robot vacuum, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The announcement came late Sunday night, marking a significant shift for the company after 35 years in business. iRobot will be acquired by Picea Robotics, a Chinese-based contract manufacturer.

The company has assured consumers that operations will continue as usual. iRobot anticipates no disruption to its app functionality, customer programs, partnerships, supply chain, or product support. This suggests that existing Roomba users should experience no immediate changes to their devices' performance.

iRobot, a pioneer in the household robotics market, launched its first Roomba in 2002. However, the company has faced increasing challenges in recent years, primarily due to intense competition from Chinese manufacturers. While iRobot remains a well-known brand in the robot vacuum space, its market share has diminished.

An attempted acquisition by Amazon in 2022 was expected to revitalize the company, but the deal was blocked by regulatory scrutiny. Following this setback, iRobot attempted to adapt by revamping its product line and lowering prices. The company also collaborated with Picea Robotics to develop new Roomba models. Despite these efforts, iRobot's revenue continued to decline. Reports indicate that US tariffs, particularly the 46 percent tariff on products manufactured in Vietnam, significantly impacted the company.

Gary Cohen, iRobot's Chief Executive Officer, stated that the acquisition is a crucial step in securing the company's long-term future. He believes the transaction will strengthen iRobot's financial standing and ensure continuity for its customers and partners.

BNN's Perspective: The iRobot bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition highlight the challenges faced by established companies in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. While the company's brand recognition remains strong, it struggled to compete with more agile and cost-effective rivals. The acquisition by a Chinese manufacturer raises questions about the future of the company and the potential impact on the market.

Keywords: iRobot, Roomba, bankruptcy, Chapter 11, Picea Robotics, acquisition, robot vacuum, Amazon, tariffs, revenue decline, Gary Cohen, household robotics, competition, market share

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