Roomba Chaos! 🤖 iRobot's Shocking Fall 📉

Tech & Science

iRobot Files for Bankruptcy, Signals a Dramatic Shift
iRobot, the renowned maker of the Roomba robot vacuum, has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, marking a significant turning point in the company’s history. This action follows a strategic shift in its business operations, aiming to reduce manufacturing costs and streamline its focus.

Picea Robotics Steps In to Acquire iRobot
The company’s future is now firmly in the hands of Picea Robotics, a leading contract manufacturer of robot vacuums. Earlier this month, Picea assumed iRobot’s substantial $190 million loan, and crucially, Picea will waive this debt, alongside the $161.5 million owed for past manufacturing services.

Picea Robotics: A Proven ODM with a Broad Client Base
Picea Robotics, also known as 3irobotix, stands out as one of the largest Original Design Manufacturers (ODM) specializing in robot vacuums. Its impressive client list includes recognizable brands like iRobot, Shark, and Anker (which owns the Eufy vacuum brand), highlighting the company’s established expertise.

Rumors Confirm Picea's Growing Role – Dyson’s New Airobot
Intriguing speculation circulating on Reddit suggests that Picea Robotics is already producing Dyson’s recently unveiled Spot & Scrub Airobot vacuum. The Verge is currently verifying this information with both Dyson and Picea directly, further solidifying the company’s expanding influence within the robotics industry.

A Focus on Innovation: Picea’s Advanced Technologies
Picea Robotics possesses robust R&D and manufacturing capabilities, with facilities strategically located in China and Vietnam. Through its subsidiary, Picea Motion, the company specializes in the development of harmonic drives – crucial components used in various robotic applications, showcasing a commitment to technological advancement.

Beyond Roomba: Picea’s Diverse Product Portfolio
The company has already demonstrated its innovation with its own line of robot vacuums, branded as ‘3i’. Notably, the 3i S10 Ultra, a flagship model, incorporates a sophisticated water-recycling system and smart dirt-scanning technology, mirroring some of Dyson's latest robotic cleaner features, suggesting a future focus on high-performance models.