Roomba Maker iRobot Files for Bankruptcy, Chinese Supplier Set to Take Control

Company origins and early success

Founded in 1990 by three MIT researchers, iRobot quickly became synonymous with household robotics. The company’s flagship product, the Roomba vacuum cleaner, hit the market in 2002 and revolutionized the way consumers think about automated cleaning.

Bankruptcy filing and restructuring plan

Facing mounting debt and a slowdown in sales, iRobot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year. Under the proposed restructuring plan, the company will be transferred to its largest creditor, a major Chinese supplier that already provides key components for the Roomba line.

Implications for the future

The takeover could reshape iRobot’s product strategy, potentially accelerating the integration of new technologies from its Chinese partner. Analysts suggest that while the brand name may survive, the company’s operational control and strategic direction are likely to shift dramatically under the new ownership.