iRobot, the company behind the Roomba, has officially been acquired by Shenzhen‑based Picea Robotics. The deal follows iRobot’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, leaving the brand privately held and fully owned by Picea.
Despite the change in ownership, iRobot is still emphasising its US roots. The company confirmed it will maintain its Bedford, Massachusetts headquarters, with engineering, product development, and marketing “anchored” in the United States.
The most notable new development is the creation of iRobot Safe, a subsidiary dedicated to consumer data protection. Governed by an independent board of US citizens, iRobot Safe will operate from the US and oversee global data governance.
The company says this structure ensures a clear separation between non‑US ownership and US consumer data. European data protection laws are also included in the scope.
CEO Gary Cohen previously assured customers that data would not leave the US. The new subsidiary doubles down on that promise, aiming to reassure users concerned about privacy under foreign ownership.
Picea already had ties to iRobot before the acquisition. It served as a contract manufacturer and played a role in engineering development when iRobot refreshed its product lineup in 2025. Cohen has praised Picea’s expertise, suggesting the partnership could accelerate innovation.
For existing customers, iRobot insists it will be “business as usual.” Product support, warranties, and app functionality remain unchanged. The company has not outlined detailed future plans, but Cohen previously hinted at new robot vacuums targeting niche markets and even potential expansion into other household robotics.
The acquisition marks a turning point for iRobot. Amazon’s proposed takeover collapsed in 2024 after antitrust concerns, leaving the company struggling with falling revenue and diversification challenges. Emerging from bankruptcy under Picea ownership gives iRobot a stronger financial foundation and capacity to invest in next‑generation smart home robotics.
Ultimately, iRobot’s future now rests on balancing global ownership with US‑anchored operations. With iRobot Safe in place, the company is betting that strong data protections and continued innovation will reassure customers and keep Roomba at the forefront of consumer robotics.
