‘It’s a cage match’: Beleaguered iRobot founder says the biggest reason why the Roomba-maker failed was because of growing Chinese competition

Core Insights - iRobot, the maker of Roomba, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy due to increasing competition from Chinese companies, particularly in the robotic vacuum market [1][2] - The company reached its peak revenue of nearly $1.6 billion in 2021 but has since lost market share to rivals like Roborock, which has become the world's largest robot vacuum brand [2][3] - iRobot's cofounder Colin Angle highlighted that the Chinese market was not a level playing field, with local companies receiving government support and incentives that disadvantaged foreign competitors [2][3] Company Overview - iRobot was co-founded in 1990 and became a pioneer in household robotics with the launch of Roomba in 2002 [1][2] - The company introduced advanced models like the self-emptying Roomba i7+ in 2018, which utilized mapping technology [2] - Following its bankruptcy, iRobot will be acquired by Picea Robotics, a China-based company that has been a significant player in the robotic vacuum market [2][4] Market Dynamics - The competitive landscape has shifted significantly, with Chinese companies like Roborock benefiting from a protected market and government incentives, including discounts for consumers on domestic products [3] - The Chinese government has renewed its focus on boosting domestic consumption, further supporting local businesses in the tech sector [3] - Picea Robotics has established partnerships with other brands like Shark and Anker, indicating a consolidation trend in the robotic vacuum space [4]