Core Insights - iRobot, founded in 1990 by Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, and Rodney Brooks, aimed to bring practical robots into everyday life, inspired by science fiction [1] - The company transitioned from military and industrial applications to consumer robotics, achieving significant market success with its Roomba vacuum cleaner [5][8] - iRobot's market dominance has been challenged by Chinese competitors, leading to a dramatic decline in market share and financial performance [10][11] Company History - iRobot was initially focused on military and space exploration robotics, relying on government contracts and specialized orders, with revenues peaking at $15 million before 2002 [4][5] - The launch of Roomba in 2002 marked a pivotal shift, with sales exceeding 1 million units within three years and revenues soaring to $140 million [6][8] - By 2021, iRobot had sold over 40 million Roombas, achieving a market share of nearly 90% in the robotic vacuum sector [8] Market Dynamics - The entry of Chinese brands like Ecovacs and Roborock into the U.S. market began in 2017, rapidly increasing their market share from less than 2% to over 70% by 2025 [10][11] - iRobot's market share declined from 85% in 2017 to an estimated 6% by 2025, with revenues projected to fall below $600 million and losses exceeding $200 million [11] Strategic Decisions - iRobot sold its military robotics division in 2016 to focus entirely on the consumer market, positioning itself as a leading consumer robotics company [8] - The failure of a proposed acquisition by Amazon, due to regulatory concerns, led to significant layoffs and a deterioration of iRobot's financial health [12][13] Technological Innovation - iRobot has been recognized for its innovations in mapping, navigation, and human-robot interaction, maintaining a reputation as an industry leader [8] - Despite efforts to expand its product line, including the introduction of mopping robots and air purifiers, iRobot struggled to keep pace with competitors [8] Leadership and Future Directions - Founders Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, and Rodney Brooks have pursued new ventures after leaving iRobot, focusing on various aspects of robotics and technology [14][15] - The company's decline raises questions about the role of government support in fostering competitive advantages for U.S. companies in the global market [12][13]