iRobot Bankruptcy: The End of Roomba's Pioneer Era

iRobot, the company that brought the Roomba vacuum into millions of homes, filed for bankruptcy on December 15, 2025. The move came after years of financial strain, including a failed acquisition by Amazon and mounting debt from tariffs on imports.

Founded in 1990 by MIT roboticists, iRobot started with military robots for bomb disposal and exploration. But it was the 2002 launch of the Roomba that changed everything. This disc-shaped vacuum used simple sensors to navigate rooms and suck up dirt, making robot helpers affordable for everyday people. By 2025, iRobot had sold over 50 million units worldwide, turning chores into background noise.

Now, under Chapter 11, iRobot plans to hand control to its main Chinese supplier, Jabil. Owners of Roombas and other models like the Braava mops can rest easy—the devices will keep working as usual. No shutdowns, no recalls. But the shift raises questions about the future of American robotics innovation.

Experts point to rising competition from cheaper Asian rivals and regulatory hurdles. iRobot's story shows how even pioneers can stumble in a fast-moving field. As humanoid robots and AI cleaners advance, this bankruptcy might signal a pivot for the industry toward global partnerships.