扫地机器人鼻祖iRobot黯然退场

Core Viewpoint - iRobot, once a leader in the consumer robotics market, has filed for bankruptcy protection and will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of a Chinese manufacturer due to severe financial distress and operational challenges [1][4]. Financial Distress - iRobot is facing a liquidity crisis with total debts exceeding $350 million (approximately 2.5 billion RMB) while having only $24.8 million in cash and cash equivalents [5]. - The company reported a revenue of $146 million in Q3 2025, a 24.6% decline year-over-year, and a net loss of $9.9 million, contrasting with a profit of $15.1 million in the same period the previous year [5][6]. - iRobot's 2022 revenue fell by 24% to $1.1834 billion (approximately 8.118 billion RMB), with a net loss of $286.3 million [6][7]. Market Position and Competition - iRobot's market share has plummeted from over 80% in the U.S. to 7.9% globally, facing intense competition from Chinese brands like Roborock and Ecovacs [7][8]. - The company has struggled to innovate, lagging behind competitors in adopting advanced technologies such as laser navigation and hybrid cleaning solutions [8][9]. Operational Challenges - iRobot's high product prices, often exceeding $1,000, have contributed to declining sales, forcing the company to implement layoffs [9][10]. - The introduction of a 46% tariff on home appliances imported from Vietnam by the U.S. government is expected to add approximately $23 million in operational costs for iRobot in 2025, further straining its financial situation [10].