扫地机鼻祖，被谁卷死了？

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the downfall of iRobot, a pioneer in the robotic vacuum industry, which has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is being acquired by its Chinese manufacturing partner, Shenzhen Sanchuan Robotics, due to overwhelming debt and declining market share [4][5][16]. Financial Performance - iRobot's revenue has continuously declined, with a year-on-year decrease of 24.6% [6]. - The company has shifted from profitability to a non-GAAP loss of $9.9 million, indicating deteriorating operational conditions [6]. - Cash reserves have dwindled to $24.8 million, highlighting severe financial strain [6]. - Total debt exceeds $350 million, leading to insolvency [6][14]. Market Position and Competition - iRobot's global market share has plummeted to 7.9% by Q2 2025, ranking fifth, as it faces fierce competition from Chinese brands like Roborock and Ecovacs [20]. - In North America, iRobot's revenue from robotic vacuum products fell by 33% year-on-year in Q3 2025, marking a significant loss in its primary market [21]. - The company has lost substantial market share to Chinese brands, which have effectively captured the market through advanced product features and competitive pricing [22][24]. Supply Chain Dynamics - iRobot's reliance on Shenzhen Sanchuan as its sole manufacturer has created significant supply chain risks, especially as the company faced financial difficulties [10][14]. - The relationship between iRobot and Sanchuan has evolved from a partnership to one where Sanchuan has become the largest creditor, leading to a "debt-for-equity" acquisition [13][16]. - iRobot's inability to manage its supply chain effectively has contributed to its downfall, as it failed to adapt to market changes and technological advancements [39][42]. Technological Disparities - iRobot's commitment to visual navigation technology has hindered its competitiveness against Chinese brands that have adopted laser radar technology, which has become standard in the market [35][36]. - The slower innovation cycle of iRobot, taking 2-3 years for product iterations compared to 6-8 months for Chinese brands, has further exacerbated its market position [40]. Industry Implications - The decline of iRobot reflects a broader shift in the global supply chain dynamics, where control and innovation are increasingly in the hands of Chinese companies [43]. - The article suggests that the traditional model of brand dominance is being replaced by a new order where supply chain efficiency and responsiveness are critical for success in the smart hardware sector [43].