iRobot
iRobot is an American consumer robotics company founded in 1990 by three MIT researchers, Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner, and best known for the Roomba robot vacuum, first released in 2002 and joined by the Braava mopping robots. It sold its military and defence robots business in 2016 to focus on consumer products. Amazon announced a US$1.7 billion acquisition in August 2022, but it collapsed in January 2024 after opposition from EU and US antitrust authorities, after which founder Colin Angle departed and Gary Cohen became CEO in May 2024. In 2023 iRobot had revenue of US$891 million and a net loss of US$305 million, with about 1,113 employees at its Bedford, Massachusetts headquarters. On 14 December 2025 it filed for a prepackaged Chapter 11 in Delaware, and under a restructuring agreement Shenzhen Picea Robotics, its contract manufacturer, would acquire 100 percent of its equity.
💡Notable Achievement: iRobot filed for Chapter 11 on 14 December 2025 with Shenzhen Picea Robotics set to acquire 100 percent of its equity.
What Does iRobot Do?
iRobot, the MIT-born maker of the Roomba, restructured through a December 2025 Chapter 11 in which contract manufacturer Picea took ownership.
“The Roomba maker now owned by its supplier.”
Roomba
First released in 2002.
Amazon Deal Failed
US$1.7 billion deal terminated in January 2024.
Picea Owned
Restructured under Picea after Chapter 11.
What Can iRobot Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Robot vacuums and mops.
Vacuum and Mop
Roomba and Braava range.
iRobot Robots
Showing 6 of 6 total models
Roomba Plus 505
By: iRobot
Launched: 2025
The Roomba Plus 505 is an advanced 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop combo designed for thorough home cleaning. Featuring 7,000 Pa suction power—70x stronger than older models—it excels at picking up crumbs, pet hair, and debris with auto-adjusting CarpetBoost. DualClean Mop Pads with PerfectEdge extend 18% further into corners and walls, while SmartScrub delivers 2x deeper scrubbing for tough stains. ClearView Pro LiDAR enables precise mapping day or night, paired with PrecisionVision AI to detect and avoid cords, socks, pet waste, and messes. The AutoWash Dock provides 75 days of self-emptying, 4 weeks of mop pad washing with heated drying, and self-cleaning cycles. App control offers room-specific cleaning, 4 suction levels, scheduling, and dirt prioritization. Ideal for pet owners and busy households seeking hands-free, intelligent floorcare across hard floors and carpets.
iRobot Roomba 105 Vac
By: iRobot
Launched: 2023
The iRobot Roomba 105 Vac is an entry-level robotic vacuum designed for everyday cleaning with advanced features such as LIDAR-based navigation for efficient path planning and obstacle avoidance. It offers 70 times more suction power than previous models, with four suction levels to adapt to different floor types and dirt levels. The robot is equipped with a multi-surface brush system and a side edge-sweeping brush to clean corners and edges effectively. It supports three control methods: onboard buttons, mobile app, and voice commands. The Roomba 105 Vac includes a self-emptying dock option for hands-free debris disposal and is designed to work on all floor types including carpet, hardwood, and tile. Its compact design and smart sensors enable it to navigate smoothly and avoid obstacles and cliffs.
iRobot Roomba Max 705
By: iRobot
Launched: 2025
The iRobot Roomba Max 705 is a flagship 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop designed for deep, hands-free cleaning in busy homes. It features 175 times more suction power than previous models, powered by patented Dual Rubber Brushes that flex to maintain contact with all floor types and effectively remove pet hair and debris. The robot uses advanced AI-driven navigation with ClearView™ Pro LiDAR and PrecisionVision™ AI to map homes precisely and avoid obstacles like cords, socks, and pet waste. Its unique roller mop cover protects carpets from wet messes while heated mopping ensures thorough cleaning. The AutoWash™ Dock enables up to 75 days of autonomous operation with automatic mop washing, drying, and dustbin emptying, making it ideal for pet owners and families seeking a premium, hands-free cleaning experience. Compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant for voice control and managed via the Roomba Home App.
iRobot Roomba j9+
By: iRobot
Launched: 2023
The iRobot Roomba j9+ is a premium robot vacuum and mop combo designed for powerful, hands-free cleaning with advanced object recognition and room segmentation. It features PrecisionVision Navigation to identify and avoid common household obstacles such as cords, pet waste, and shoes, ensuring thorough cleaning without interruptions. The robot uses a 4-stage cleaning system with dual multi-surface rubber brushes, an edge-sweeping brush, and 100% stronger power-lifting suction for deep carpet and hard floor cleaning. Its Auto-Retract Mopping System lifts the mop on carpets to prevent wet messes and allows simultaneous vacuuming and mopping on hard floors. The Clean Base dock offers automatic self-emptying and storage for extra bags and mop pads. Integration with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri enables voice control, while iRobot OS provides personalized cleaning suggestions and smart mapping with up to 90% room labeling accuracy. It is especially pet-friendly with a promise to avoid solid pet waste.
iRobot Roomba Combo i5
By: iRobot
Launched: 2023
The iRobot Roomba Combo i5 is a versatile 2-in-1 robot vacuum and mop designed for efficient cleaning of hard floors and carpets. It features dual multi-surface rubber brushes and Power-Lifting Suction to remove dirt, debris, and pet hair effectively. The robot uses proprietary Dirt Detect™ technology to focus on dirtier areas and navigates in neat rows with advanced mapping for thorough coverage. It can vacuum and mop simultaneously, with a specialized microfiber mop pad for wet floor cleaning. Controlled via the iRobot Home app or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri, it offers scheduled cleaning and room skipping for rugs. The Combo i5+ variant includes a self-emptying base that holds up to 60 days of debris.
Roomba j7+
By: iRobot
Launched: 2021
The iRobot Roomba j7+ is a state-of-the-art robotic vacuum cleaner designed to adapt to your home and schedule. Featuring advanced navigation and a powerful 3-Stage Cleaning System, it effectively captures dirt, dust, and debris from various floor types. Its unique Dual Multi-Surface Rubber Brushes adjust to different floor types and avoid getting tangled with pet hair. The Clean Base® Automatic Dirt Disposal allows the j7+ to empty itself for up to 60 days, providing a hands-free cleaning experience. Additionally, the j7+ uses PrecisionVision Navigation to recognize and avoid common obstacles like pet waste and charging cables, ensuring a thorough and hassle-free clean.
iRobot Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
iRobot founded by MIT researchers
Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner found iRobot after working in MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Roomba first released
iRobot releases the Roomba, an automated vacuum cleaning robot that becomes its best-known product.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Amazon announces US$1.7 billion acquisition
Amazon announces a US$1.7 billion deal to acquire iRobot, subject to regulatory approval.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Amazon deal terminated
The Amazon acquisition collapses after opposition from EU and US antitrust authorities, and founder Colin Angle later departs.
Source: en.wikipedia.org
Chapter 11 filing and Picea acquisition
iRobot files for prepackaged Chapter 11 protection, with Shenzhen Picea Robotics to acquire 100 percent of its equity.
Source: manufacturingdive.com
iRobot Competitors by Category
Direct industry rivals grouped by specific robotics domain
Roborock
→Model: Qrevo S
Focus: Robot vacuum and mop maker
Ecovacs
→Model: Deebot T50 Omni
Focus: Robot vacuum and mop maker
Dreame
→Model: Dreame L40s Ultra AE
Focus: Robot vacuum and mop maker
Eufy
→Model: Eufy RoboVac G30 Edge
Focus: Robot vacuum maker
SharkNinja
→Model: Shark PowerDetect Robot
Focus: Robot vacuum maker
What Makes iRobot Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Category-defining brand and large installed base.
- ✓Manufacturing support from Picea.
Core Strategic Focus
Rebuilding under Picea ownership.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •2023 net loss of US$305 million and Chapter 11 in 2025.
- •Price pressure from Chinese rivals.
iRobot vs Key Competitors
Strategic capability matrix across platform categories, commercial readiness, and target markets
Category / Focus
- Roomba j9+
- Robot vacuum
- Roomba Combo i5
- Robot vacuum and mop
- Roborock Qrevo S
- Robot vacuum and mop
- Shark PowerDetect
- Robot vacuum
Weight
- Roomba j9+
- 4.1 kg (robot); 9.9 kg (Clean Base)
- Roomba Combo i5
- 3.13 kg (6.9 lbs)
- Roborock Qrevo S
- 11.56 kg
- Shark PowerDetect
- 8.5 lbs | (Inferred · Medium confidence · Robot unit; total system ~25 lbs)
Release Year
- Roomba j9+
- 2023
- Roomba Combo i5
- 2023
- Roborock Qrevo S
- 2025
- Shark PowerDetect
- 2024
| Strategic Dimension | Roomba j9+ | Roomba Combo i5 | Roborock Qrevo S | Shark PowerDetect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category / Focus | Robot vacuum | Robot vacuum and mop | Robot vacuum and mop | Robot vacuum |
| Weight | 4.1 kg (robot); 9.9 kg (Clean Base) | 3.13 kg (6.9 lbs) | 11.56 kg | 8.5 lbs | (Inferred · Medium confidence · Robot unit; total system ~25 lbs) |
| Release Year | 2023 | 2023 | 2025 | 2024 |
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Shenzhen Picea Robotics
Contract manufacturer that acquired iRobot through the 2025 restructuring.
Ownership & Acquisition History
Contract manufacturer that acquired iRobot through the 2025 restructuring.
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
iRobot Headquarters
HQBedford, Massachusetts, United States
Articles & Industry News
Showing 8 recent articles and news updates about iRobot
Roomba Max 705 Combo Achieves 175x Suction in July 2025 Debut
News about iRobot Roomba Max 705
Roomba Combo j9+ Masters Dirt Detective in 2026 Reviews
News about iRobot Roomba j9+
iRobot Roomba Plus 505 Conquers Corners with 18% Edge Boost
News about Roomba Plus 505
iRobot Revives Roomba j7+ Amid Takeover Buzz, Eyes Spring 2026 Upgrades
News about Roomba j7+
iRobot Debuts Roomba j7+ with Camera-Based Obstacle Avoidance, Redefining Pet-Friendly Home Cleaning
News about Roomba j7+
iRobot Roomba Max 705 Combo Delivers 175x Suction, Heated Mops
News about iRobot Roomba Max 705
iRobot's Roomba j9+ Deploys Dirt Detective, SmartScrub Power
News about iRobot Roomba j9+
iRobot Roomba Combo i5 Scores Self‑Emptying, Limited‑Edition $178 Drop
News about iRobot Roomba Combo i5
Robot Comparisons
Showing 8 in-depth comparisons featuring iRobot — Explore all comparisons →
Roborock Saros 10R vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
Roborock Saros 10R or iRobot Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, low-furniture navigation, maintenance ease, and value in daily cleaning.
iRobot Roomba Max 705 vs Eufy X10 Pro Omni
Compare iRobot Roomba Max 705 vs Eufy X10 Pro Omni for cleaning performance, pet hair handling, navigation accuracy, and large home suitability.
Ecovacs Deebot X9 Pro Omni vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
Ecovacs X9 Pro Omni or iRobot Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, navigation accuracy, battery runtime, and large home suitability.
Ecovacs Deebot T80 Omni vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
Ecovacs T80 Omni or iRobot Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, navigation accuracy, battery runtime, and maintenance ease in daily home use.
Roborock Qrevo S vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
Qrevo S or Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, large home navigation, battery runtime, and long-term value in daily cleaning.
3i P10 Ultra vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
3i P10 Ultra or iRobot Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, navigation accuracy, battery runtime, and value in daily home cleaning.
Roborock Qrevo Curv vs iRobot Roomba Max 705
Qrevo Curv or Roomba Max 705? Compare for pet hair handling, navigation accuracy, battery runtime, and large home suitability to decide.
iRobot Roomba Max 705 vs Ecovacs Deebot X11 OmniCyclone
Head-to-head: iRobot Roomba Max 705 vs DEEBOT X11 OmniCyclone compared on cleaning performance, mapping accuracy, pet hair handling, and maintenance ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about iRobot
What is iRobot?
iRobot is an American robotics company founded in 1990 by MIT researchers, best known for the Roomba robot vacuum and Braava mopping robots.
Who owns iRobot now?
Following its December 2025 Chapter 11 filing, Shenzhen Picea Robotics, its contract manufacturer and lender, acquired iRobot, according to reports and its Wikipedia profile.
Did Amazon buy iRobot?
No. Amazon announced a US$1.7 billion acquisition in August 2022, but it was abandoned in January 2024 after EU and US antitrust opposition.
Who runs iRobot?
Gary Cohen became CEO in May 2024 after founder Colin Angle departed following the collapse of the Amazon deal. iRobot is an American consumer robotics company founded in 1990 by three MIT researchers, Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner, and best known for the Roomba robot vacuum, first released in 2002 and joined by the Braava mopping robots.
When was the Roomba released?
iRobot released the Roomba in 2002, and it became the best-selling robot vacuum family, joined later by Braava mopping robots.
Who founded iRobot?
Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner founded iRobot in 1990 after working in MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab. iRobot is an American consumer robotics company founded in 1990 by three MIT researchers, Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle and Helen Greiner, and best known for the Roomba robot vacuum, first released in 2002 and joined by the Braava mopping robots.
How did iRobot do financially?
In 2023 iRobot had revenue of US$891 million and a net loss of US$305 million, with about 1,113 employees at year end.
What happened to iRobot's defence business?
iRobot divested its military and defence robots business in 2016, and its Endeavor Robotics unit was later bought by FLIR in 2019.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official iRobot datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.