iRobot, the company behind the Roomba robot vacuums, has filed for bankruptcy. The company declared it would go private after being bought by Chinese manufacturer Picea Robotics.
After initial concerns about bankruptcy raised in March 2025, the maker of Roomba vacuum cleaners voluntarily entered a pre-packaged Chapter 11 process in the District of Delaware today (Monday, December 15).
iRobot launched 35 years ago, and has become well-known for its popular and extensive range of robot vacuums/mops. It launched its very first Roomba robot vacuum in 2002, and has subsequently sold millions on a global scale. The company’s USP focuses on smart-home capabilities and advanced tech features and many of its products have been reviewed positively — including by Tom’s Guide.
What it means for customers
So what does this news mean for customers who currently have a Roomba robot vacuum? Will it still work, and how does this affect its functionality?
According to the company, iRobot will continue to operate during the Chapter 11 transition “with no anticipated disruption to its app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support”. In addition, iRobot is hopeful that they will be in a better position to deliver on long-term strategy under its new ownership.
“Today’s announcement marks a pivotal milestone in securing iRobot’s long-term future, states Gary Cohen, chief executive of iRobot. “The transaction will strengthen our financial position and will help deliver continuity for our consumers, customers and partners.”
This should come as some reassurance to existing customers who have come to depend greatly on their Roombas to tackle their smart cleaning needs.
While the future of Roomba is still uncertain, we will update you once we hear further developments.
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