This time, iRobot needs help cleaning up a mess

iRobot, founded in 1990, has been a pioneering force in robotics, notably with its Roomba vacuum that brought robots into millions of homes and sparked widespread interest in consumer robotics. Beyond household products, iRobot’s PackBots have played critical roles in military and disaster scenarios, such as detecting explosives in conflict zones and exploring hazardous sites like the World Trade Center collapse and Fukushima nuclear disaster. The company also contributed significantly to STEM education through platforms like Create and Root, inspiring future engineers and roboticists. However, despite this legacy, iRobot is currently facing severe financial difficulties, including mounting debt, declining revenue (a 23.44% drop to $681.85 million in 2024), and intense competition, putting it at risk of bankruptcy unless it secures new capital. The company’s early success was driven by relentless innovation and adaptability, overcoming skepticism and technical challenges to create the original Roomba. Yet, after going public, iRobot became more cautious and failed to replicate that breakthrough