深夜暴跌74%一度触及熔断,扫地机器人巨头宣布破产
21世纪经济报道·2025-12-15 16:32

Core Viewpoint - iRobot Corporation, once a leader in the robotic vacuum market, has officially declared bankruptcy, with its stock value dropping to zero following a failed restructuring plan and significant operational losses [2][12]. Group 1: Company History and Market Position - iRobot was founded in 1990 by three MIT graduates and gained fame for its military and space robotics, including the Sojourner rover for NASA [4]. - The company launched its first consumer robot, Roomba, in 2002, achieving sales of 50,000 units in its first year and over 2 million by 2005 [4]. - By 2015, iRobot held over 60% of the global market share and 80% in the U.S., establishing itself as the industry leader [4]. - However, in 2022, iRobot's revenue fell by 24% to $1.183 billion, and it reported a net loss of $286 million, marking a significant downturn [4]. Group 2: Recent Performance and Market Dynamics - iRobot's market share plummeted from over 60% in 2015 to below 8% by Q3 2025, with revenues in key markets like Europe and the U.S. declining by 43% and 18%, respectively [5][3]. - In contrast, the global smart vacuum market is growing rapidly, with shipments reaching approximately 17.42 million units in the first three quarters of 2025, a year-on-year increase of nearly 19% [5]. - Chinese manufacturers, including Roborock and Ecovacs, have captured significant market share, with Roborock leading in Europe with a 42% share [7][5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Challenges - iRobot's competitive edge diminished as Chinese brands rapidly innovated and improved their product offerings, often at lower prices [8]. - The company struggled with supply chain issues, moving some operations to Malaysia due to trade tensions, which distanced it from the Chinese consumer market [8]. - Chinese brands have adopted advanced technologies like "laser radar + AI obstacle avoidance," while iRobot lagged in product development cycles, leading to a loss of market relevance [9][8]. Group 4: Financial Troubles and Restructuring - iRobot's financial situation deteriorated, with total liabilities reaching $350 million, including overdue payments to its primary contract manufacturer, Shenzhen-based Santrum [11][12]. - Following the bankruptcy declaration, Santrum acquired a significant portion of iRobot's debt and agreed to extend the debt waiver period, indicating a potential path for iRobot's continued operation under new management [12].

深夜暴跌74%一度触及熔断,扫地机器人巨头宣布破产 - Reportify