美国扫地机器人企业iRobot破产的三个原因

Core Viewpoint - iRobot, the pioneer of robotic vacuum cleaners, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy primarily due to misjudgment of consumer needs, competition from Chinese companies, and regulatory hurdles preventing a potential acquisition by Amazon [4][6]. Group 1: Reasons for Bankruptcy - The first reason for iRobot's bankruptcy is the misjudgment of consumer demand, particularly in the late 2010s. The company failed to adopt high-performance LiDAR sensors, relying instead on cameras, which led to a lag in product functionality compared to competitors [4][6]. - The second reason is the intense competition from Chinese companies such as Ecovacs, Roborock, and Dreame Technology, which introduced features like LiDAR and mopping capabilities that iRobot's Roomba lacked. This competition has significantly reduced Roomba's global market share from 49% in 2017 to 22% in 2022 [6]. - The third reason is the failure to secure a merger with Amazon, which was blocked by U.S. and EU regulators due to concerns over market competition and data privacy. Amazon's proposed acquisition, valued at approximately $1.7 billion, was abandoned in 2024 [6].