The company behind the popular Roomba robotic vacuum has filed for bankruptcy amid fierce market competition. Once a pioneer in home automation, iRobot struggled to stay afloat against lower-cost rivals flooding the market.

In a recent move, the US-based firm filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in Delaware, signaling a major shift. Its main lender and supplier, Shenzhen’s Picea Robotics, will now acquire all of iRobot’s shares, effectively taking control of the company.

This development follows a failed $1.5 billion acquisition by Amazon nearly two years ago, which was blocked by European regulators concerned about market dominance. Industry experts highlight that the robot vacuum segment is rapidly consolidating, with price pressures forcing even established brands to adapt.

For consumers, this shift raises questions about product innovation and pricing in the home robotics sector. Will new ownership lead to more affordable options or stifle competition? Only time will tell, but the move underscores the intense global rivalry in smart home devices.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.