IRobot - Revision history

FinalUnknownWays: Added image

2026-04-07T09:05:53Z

Added image

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:05, 7 April 2026
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	\|Website=https://www.irobot.com/		\|Website=https://www.irobot.com/
	\|Description=iRobot Corporation manufactures consumer robots including the Roomba vacuum cleaner and Braava floor mopper.		\|Description=iRobot Corporation manufactures consumer robots including the Roomba vacuum cleaner and Braava floor mopper.
	}}		\|Logo=IRobot_Green_logo.png}}

	{{lowercase title}}		{{lowercase title}}

	'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217143850/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204025350/https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref> April 2026, users of devices manufactured between 2015 - 2018 have reported their devices no longer have access to cloud services. <ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-04-03 \|title=iRobot is intentionally bricking older Roombas (Error c181) and r/roomba mods are censoring the community. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1sb6siu/irobot_is_intentionally_bricking_older_roombas/}}</ref>		'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217143850/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204025350/https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref> April 2026, users of devices manufactured between 2015 - 2018 have reported their devices no longer have access to cloud services. <ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-04-03 \|title=iRobot is intentionally bricking older Roombas (Error c181) and r/roomba mods are censoring the community. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1sb6siu/irobot_is_intentionally_bricking_older_roombas/}}</ref>

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	There is an ongoing thread regarding solutions for local control of the recent 505 series of robots, see https://github.com/home-assistant/core/issues/146155#issuecomment-3531411934.		There is an ongoing thread regarding solutions for local control of the recent 505 series of robots, see https://github.com/home-assistant/core/issues/146155#issuecomment-3531411934.

	== Users of older models reporting a loss of cloud access and community censorship ==		==Users of older models reporting a loss of cloud access and community censorship==
	Owners of 900 series iRobots are reporting a loss of cloud access and bricked devices. They are receiving error codes c181/c182 which according to irobot's website state "900 series robots with a manufacturing date between 2015 - 2018 may no longer be supported."		Owners of 900 series iRobots are reporting a loss of cloud access and bricked devices. They are receiving error codes c181/c182 which according to irobot's website state "900 series robots with a manufacturing date between 2015 - 2018 may no longer be supported."

Ike: Added section about users of 900 series robots no longer having access to cloud services.

2026-04-07T04:22:06Z

Added section about users of 900 series robots no longer having access to cloud services.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:22, 7 April 2026
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	}}		}}
	{{lowercase title}}		{{lowercase title}}
	'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217143850/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204025350/https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref>		'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251217143850/https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|archive-date=17 Dec 2025}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251204025350/https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|archive-date=4 Dec 2025}}</ref> April 2026, users of devices manufactured between 2015 - 2018 have reported their devices no longer have access to cloud services. <ref>{{Cite web \|date=2026-04-03 \|title=iRobot is intentionally bricking older Roombas (Error c181) and r/roomba mods are censoring the community. \|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1sb6siu/irobot_is_intentionally_bricking_older_roombas/}}</ref>

	==Background==		==Background==
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	*Custom cleaning preferences including power boost & cleaning passes		*Custom cleaning preferences including power boost & cleaning passes

	=== Workarounds ===		===Workarounds===
	There is an ongoing thread regarding solutions for local control of the recent 505 series of robots, see https://github.com/home-assistant/core/issues/146155#issuecomment-3531411934.		There is an ongoing thread regarding solutions for local control of the recent 505 series of robots, see https://github.com/home-assistant/core/issues/146155#issuecomment-3531411934.

			== Users of older models reporting a loss of cloud access and community censorship ==
			Owners of 900 series iRobots are reporting a loss of cloud access and bricked devices. They are receiving error codes c181/c182 which according to irobot's website state "900 series robots with a manufacturing date between 2015 - 2018 may no longer be supported."

			Multiple users have reported no longer being able to adjust the robot's settings, cleaning schedules or any other functionality provided through the app.

			Upon trying to seek assistance in the r/Roomba subreddit, they are being banned and having their posts deleted. This is relevant as the moderator of the r/Roomba community has in the past claimed official affiliation with iRobot - it creates a public perception that iRobot endorse censorship of its own customers.

			https://www.reddit.com/r/RobotVacuums/comments/1sb6siu/irobot_is_intentionally_bricking_older_roombas/

	==See also==		==See also==

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T12:28:35Z

Added archive URLs for 2 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:28, 23 February 2026
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	==Background==		==Background==
	iRobot was founded in 1990 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by roboticists Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, & Rodney Brooks. The company initially focused on military & industrial applications before launching the Roomba vacuum cleaner in 2002. By 2016, iRobot held 64% of the global robotic vacuum market, though that declined to 46% by 2022 due to competition from Chinese manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2022-05-15 \|title=Roborock vs iRobot vs Ecovacs - The Robot Vacuum Wars \|url=https://www.nanalyze.com/2022/05/roborock-vs-irobot-vs-ecovacs/ \|access-date= \|website=Nanalyze}}</ref>		iRobot was founded in 1990 as a spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology by roboticists Colin Angle, Helen Greiner, & Rodney Brooks. The company initially focused on military & industrial applications before launching the Roomba vacuum cleaner in 2002. By 2016, iRobot held 64% of the global robotic vacuum market, though that declined to 46% by 2022 due to competition from Chinese manufacturers.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2022-05-15 \|title=Roborock vs iRobot vs Ecovacs - The Robot Vacuum Wars \|url=https://www.nanalyze.com/2022/05/roborock-vs-irobot-vs-ecovacs/ \|access-date= \|website=Nanalyze \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251211072230/https://www.nanalyze.com/2022/05/roborock-vs-irobot-vs-ecovacs/ \|archive-date=11 Dec 2025}}</ref>

	The company went public in 2005 & has sold over 50 million robots.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-03-12 \|title=Form 10-K IROBOT CORP \|url=https://investor.irobot.com/static-files/21c7681f-4daa-4bd2-aa06-623d06adf00f \|access-date= \|website=SEC.gov \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215065522/https://investor.irobot.com/static-files/21c7681f-4daa-4bd2-aa06-623d06adf00f \|archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> WiFi connectivity became standard in the 600 series & above starting in the mid-2010s, making the majority of Roombas sold in the past decade dependent on cloud services for premium features.		The company went public in 2005 & has sold over 50 million robots.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-03-12 \|title=Form 10-K IROBOT CORP \|url=https://investor.irobot.com/static-files/21c7681f-4daa-4bd2-aa06-623d06adf00f \|access-date= \|website=SEC.gov \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251215065522/https://investor.irobot.com/static-files/21c7681f-4daa-4bd2-aa06-623d06adf00f \|archive-date=15 Dec 2025}}</ref> WiFi connectivity became standard in the 600 series & above starting in the mid-2010s, making the majority of Roombas sold in the past decade dependent on cloud services for premium features.
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	==Privacy practices & data collection==		==Privacy practices & data collection==
	===2017 data monetization controversy===		===2017 data monetization controversy===
	In July 2017, CEO Colin Angle made statements to Reuters suggesting the company could share or sell customer home mapping data to major technology companies within two years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/07/25/150346/your-roomba-is-also-gathering-data-about-the-layout-of-your-home/ \|title=Your Roomba Is Also Gathering Data about the Layout of Your Home \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2017-07-25 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> Reuters reported Angle said iRobot ''"could reach a deal to sell its maps to one or more of the Big Three [Amazon, Apple, Google] in the next couple of years"'' & that while the company would not sell data without permission.<blockquote>Angle told Reuters that iRobot would not give out the mapping data it collects without customers’ permission, which is good. That indicates that if and when this starts happening, there will be a notice to users, and that they’ll have a clear chance to refuse consent (though Angle expressed confidence that people would agree).<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Following quick consumer backlash, iRobot issued formal clarifications claiming Reuters ''"misinterpreted"'' the comments. The company's July 28-29, 2017 statement declared: <blockquote>''"First things first, iRobot will never sell your data. Colin never said that iRobot would look to sell customer maps or data to other companies."<ref>{{cite web \|date=2017-07-29 \|title=Amazon acquires Roomba: iRobot CEO says they will never sell your data {{!}} ZDNET \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ \|access-date= \|website=zdnet}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260213203832/https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ Archived])</ref>'' </blockquote>In a September 2017 follow-up interview with IEEE Spectrum, Angle clarified: "We don't even remember your map unless you tell us we can."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|title=iRobot CEO Colin Angle on Data Privacy and Robots in the Home \|website=IEEE Spectrum \|date=2017-09-07 \|access-date=2025-11-17 \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114134348/https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref>		In July 2017, CEO Colin Angle made statements to Reuters suggesting the company could share or sell customer home mapping data to major technology companies within two years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/07/25/150346/your-roomba-is-also-gathering-data-about-the-layout-of-your-home/ \|title=Your Roomba Is Also Gathering Data about the Layout of Your Home \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2017-07-25 \|access-date=2025-11-17 \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251206082733/https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/07/25/150346/your-roomba-is-also-gathering-data-about-the-layout-of-your-home/ \|archive-date=6 Dec 2025}}</ref> Reuters reported Angle said iRobot ''"could reach a deal to sell its maps to one or more of the Big Three [Amazon, Apple, Google] in the next couple of years"'' & that while the company would not sell data without permission.<blockquote>Angle told Reuters that iRobot would not give out the mapping data it collects without customers’ permission, which is good. That indicates that if and when this starts happening, there will be a notice to users, and that they’ll have a clear chance to refuse consent (though Angle expressed confidence that people would agree).<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Following quick consumer backlash, iRobot issued formal clarifications claiming Reuters ''"misinterpreted"'' the comments. The company's July 28-29, 2017 statement declared: <blockquote>''"First things first, iRobot will never sell your data. Colin never said that iRobot would look to sell customer maps or data to other companies."<ref>{{cite web \|date=2017-07-29 \|title=Amazon acquires Roomba: iRobot CEO says they will never sell your data {{!}} ZDNET \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ \|access-date= \|website=zdnet}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20260213203832/https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ Archived])</ref>'' </blockquote>In a September 2017 follow-up interview with IEEE Spectrum, Angle clarified: "We don't even remember your map unless you tell us we can."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|title=iRobot CEO Colin Angle on Data Privacy and Robots in the Home \|website=IEEE Spectrum \|date=2017-09-07 \|access-date=2025-11-17 \|archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260114134348/https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|archive-date=14 Jan 2026}}</ref>

	===Current data collection practices===		===Current data collection practices===

Bananabot: Added archive URLs for 24 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

2026-02-23T05:35:41Z

Added archive URLs for 24 citation(s) using CRWCitationBot

Show changes

Mr Pollo at 21:59, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T21:59:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:59, 20 November 2025
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	*[[Cloud computing]]		*[[Cloud computing]]
	*[[Smart home]]		*[[Smart home]]
			*[[Neato cloud shutdown]]

	==References==		==References==

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Readded template making the first letter appear lowercase as King Louis likely doesn't know what it does.

2025-11-18T07:51:53Z

Readded template making the first letter appear lowercase as King Louis likely doesn't know what it does.

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:51, 18 November 2025
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	\|Description=iRobot Corporation manufactures consumer robots including the Roomba vacuum cleaner and Braava floor mopper.		\|Description=iRobot Corporation manufactures consumer robots including the Roomba vacuum cleaner and Braava floor mopper.
	}}		}}
			{{lowercase title}}
	'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet}}</ref>		'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American consumer robotics company that designs & builds robots for the home, including the Roomba robotic vacuum cleaner. The company is facing potential bankruptcy as of November 2025, with only $24.8 million in cash remaining & no identified sources for additional capital.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-06 \|title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2025 Financial Results \|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/irobot-reports-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-302607780.html \|access-date= \|website=PR Newswire}}</ref> An estimated 10-15 million cloud-dependent iRobot devices remain in active use globally, raising concerns about consumer access to features they purchased if the company's cloud services shut down.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-11-11 \|title=Tech company's potential bankruptcy to affect 50 million devices \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tech-companys-likely-bankruptcy-to-affect-common-home-item \|access-date= \|website=TheStreet}}</ref>

Louis: wrong date for access

2025-11-17T21:08:20Z

wrong date for access

Louis: revised

2025-11-17T21:04:56Z

revised

Show changes

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson: Fixed duped refs

2025-11-15T15:29:00Z

Fixed duped refs

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:29, 15 November 2025
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	===Decline and possible shutdown of cloud services===		===Decline and possible shutdown of cloud services===
	In 2025 it has been reported that the company might run out of cash~~<ref>{{Cite web \|last=McCabe \|first=Liam \|date=2025-11-14 \|title=iRobot Is in Trouble, but Roomba Is Already Dead \|url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/roomba-obit/}}</ref>~~, and with possible shutdown of cloud servers and loss of functionality in their robots as a result<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Brecher \|first=Hannes \|date=2025-11-14 \|title=Roomba robot vacuums could lose (almost) all features as iRobot faces imminent bankruptcy \|url=https://www.notebookcheck.net/Roomba-robot-vacuums-could-lose-almost-all-features-as-iRobot-faces-imminent-bankruptcy.1159830.0.html \|url-status=live}}</ref>.		In 2025 it has been reported that the company might run out of cash, and with possible shutdown of cloud servers and loss of functionality in their robots as a result.

	====Workarounds====		====Workarounds====
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	==See also==		==See also==
	{{Ph-C-SA}}		{{Ph-C-SA}}

	~~==References==~~
	~~{{reflist}}~~

	[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]		[[Category:{{PAGENAME}}]]

AnotherConsumerRightsPerson at 07:28, 15 November 2025

2025-11-15T07:28:17Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:28, 15 November 2025
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			{{CompanyCargo
			\|Founded=1990
			\|Industry=Vacuum and mopping robots
			\|ParentCompany=Ryanair Holdings
			\|Type=Public
			\|Website=https://www.irobot.com/
			\|Description=iRobot is a company selling vacuum and mopping robots.
			}}
	{{lowercase title}}		{{lowercase title}}
	Company selling vacuum and mopping robots. One of the few companies outside of china that has a substantial market in the consumer robot vacuum segment.		Company selling vacuum and mopping robots. One of the few companies outside of china that has a substantial market in the consumer robot vacuum segment.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:08, 17 November 2025
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	===Failed strategic alternatives===		===Failed strategic alternatives===
	The company's strategic alternatives review, initiated in March 2025 to explore potential sales or refinancing, collapsed in October 2025 when the last remaining acquisition buyer withdrew after "last week the last remaining counterparty to a potential sale transaction withdrew from the process following a lengthy period of exclusive negotiations"<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-10-27 \|title=Inline Viewer: iROBOT CORPORATION 8-K 2025-10-22 \|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1159167/000115916725000080/irbt-20251022.htm \|access-date= \|website=CNBC}}</ref> Full-year 2024 financial results showed total revenue of $681.8 million, down 23.4% from 2023, with a net loss of $145.5 million.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://investor.irobot.com/news-releases/news-release-details/irobot-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial \|title=iRobot Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results \|website=iRobot Corporation \|date=2025-03-12 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref> The company has accumulated approximately $550 million in losses since Q4 2021.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.valuethemarkets.com/analysis/irobot-irbt-stock-navigating-financial-challenges-and-future-opportunities \|title=iRobot (IRBT) Stock: Navigating Financial Challenges and Future Opportunities \|website=Value The Markets \|date=2025-11-12 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		The company's strategic alternatives review, initiated in March 2025 to explore potential sales or refinancing, collapsed in October 2025 when the last remaining acquisition buyer withdrew after "last week the last remaining counterparty to a potential sale transaction withdrew from the process following a lengthy period of exclusive negotiations"<ref>{{cite web \|date=2025-10-27 \|title=Inline Viewer: iROBOT CORPORATION 8-K 2025-10-22 \|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1159167/000115916725000080/irbt-20251022.htm \|access-date= \|website=CNBC}}</ref> Full-year 2024 financial results showed total revenue of $681.8 million, down 23.4% from 2023, with a net loss of $145.5 million.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://investor.irobot.com/news-releases/news-release-details/irobot-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-financial \|title=iRobot Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Financial Results \|website=iRobot Corporation \|date=2025-03-12 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> The company has accumulated approximately $550 million in losses since Q4 2021.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.valuethemarkets.com/analysis/irobot-irbt-stock-navigating-financial-challenges-and-future-opportunities \|title=iRobot (IRBT) Stock: Navigating Financial Challenges and Future Opportunities \|website=Value The Markets \|date=2025-11-12 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	==Amazon acquisition attempt & regulatory opposition==		==Amazon acquisition attempt & regulatory opposition==
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	===FTC investigation===		===FTC investigation===
	The Federal Trade Commission issued a "second request" for additional information on September 19, 2022, launching a deep antitrust investigation.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2022-09-20 \|title=FTC probes Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/20/tech/roomba-amazon-ftc-investigation/index.html \|access-date= \|website=CNN Business}}</ref> The FTC's probe focused on whether Amazon could favor iRobot products over competitors on its marketplace platform, create barriers to entry & innovation, & exploit consumer privacy through access to home mapping data.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-regarding-termination-amazons-proposed-acquisition-irobot \|title=Statement Regarding the Termination of Amazon's Proposed Acquisition of iRobot \|website=Federal Trade Commission \|date=2024-01-31 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		The Federal Trade Commission issued a "second request" for additional information on September 19, 2022, launching a deep antitrust investigation.<ref>{{cite web \|date=2022-09-20 \|title=FTC probes Amazon's $1.7 billion acquisition of Roomba maker iRobot \|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/20/tech/roomba-amazon-ftc-investigation/index.html \|access-date= \|website=CNN Business}}</ref> The FTC's probe focused on whether Amazon could favor iRobot products over competitors on its marketplace platform, create barriers to entry & innovation, & exploit consumer privacy through access to home mapping data.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/01/statement-regarding-termination-amazons-proposed-acquisition-irobot \|title=Statement Regarding the Termination of Amazon's Proposed Acquisition of iRobot \|website=Federal Trade Commission \|date=2024-01-31 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	On September 9, 2022, a coalition of 25 public interest organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Public Citizen, & Fight for the Future sent a letter to the FTC urging the deal's blockage, warning that ''"there is no more private space than the home"'' & that the acquisition would give Amazon ''"access to extremely intimate facts about our most private spaces."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2022-09-09-letter-to-the-ftc-challenge-amazon-irobot-deal \|title=Letter Calling on the FTC to Challenge Amazon-iRobot deal \|website=Fight for the Future \|date=2022-09-09 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		On September 9, 2022, a coalition of 25 public interest organizations including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, Public Citizen, & Fight for the Future sent a letter to the FTC urging the deal's blockage, warning that ''"there is no more private space than the home"'' & that the acquisition would give Amazon ''"access to extremely intimate facts about our most private spaces."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.fightforthefuture.org/news/2022-09-09-letter-to-the-ftc-challenge-amazon-irobot-deal \|title=Letter Calling on the FTC to Challenge Amazon-iRobot deal \|website=Fight for the Future \|date=2022-09-09 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	===European Commission investigation===		===European Commission investigation===
	The European Commission opened a Phase II in-depth investigation on July 6, 2023, examining whether Amazon could restrict competition in the robot vacuum cleaner market.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5990 \|title=Commission sends Amazon Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of iRobot \|website=European Commission \|date=2023-11-27 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref> On November 27, 2023, the Commission issued a formal Statement of Objections concluding Amazon could engage in foreclosure strategies including delisting rival products which lowers the viability of competitors & raising costs of rival businesses which ''"could restrict competition in market for robot vacuum cleaners, leading to higher prices, lower quality, & less innovation for consumers."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/27/eu-amazon-irobot-statement-of-objections/ \|title=Amazon's iRobot purchase sucks up formal competition concerns in EU \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2023-11-27 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		The European Commission opened a Phase II in-depth investigation on July 6, 2023, examining whether Amazon could restrict competition in the robot vacuum cleaner market.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5990 \|title=Commission sends Amazon Statement of Objections over proposed acquisition of iRobot \|website=European Commission \|date=2023-11-27 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> On November 27, 2023, the Commission issued a formal Statement of Objections concluding Amazon could engage in foreclosure strategies including delisting rival products which lowers the viability of competitors & raising costs of rival businesses which ''"could restrict competition in market for robot vacuum cleaners, leading to higher prices, lower quality, & less innovation for consumers."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://techcrunch.com/2023/11/27/eu-amazon-irobot-statement-of-objections/ \|title=Amazon's iRobot purchase sucks up formal competition concerns in EU \|website=TechCrunch \|date=2023-11-27 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	===UK regulatory clearance===		===UK regulatory clearance===
	The UK Competition & Markets Authority cleared the deal unconditionally on June 16, 2023, finding that iRobot's market position was "modest" with significant rivals, & that Amazon lacked economic incentive to disadvantage competitors.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/amazon-s-purchase-of-roomba-maker-cleared-by-cma \|title=Amazon's purchase of Roomba maker cleared by CMA \|website=GOV.UK \|date=2023-06-16 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		The UK Competition & Markets Authority cleared the deal unconditionally on June 16, 2023, finding that iRobot's market position was "modest" with significant rivals, & that Amazon lacked economic incentive to disadvantage competitors.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/amazon-s-purchase-of-roomba-maker-cleared-by-cma \|title=Amazon's purchase of Roomba maker cleared by CMA \|website=GOV.UK \|date=2023-06-16 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	===Deal termination===		===Deal termination===
	On January 29, 2024, Amazon & iRobot mutually terminated the acquisition agreement, citing ''"no path to regulatory approval in the European Union."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/29/amazon-terminates-irobot-deal-vacuum-maker-to-lay-off-31percent-of-staff.html \|title=Amazon terminates iRobot deal, Roomba maker to lay off 31% of staff \|website=CNBC \|date=2024-01-29 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		On January 29, 2024, Amazon & iRobot mutually terminated the acquisition agreement, citing ''"no path to regulatory approval in the European Union."''<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/29/amazon-terminates-irobot-deal-vacuum-maker-to-lay-off-31percent-of-staff.html \|title=Amazon terminates iRobot deal, Roomba maker to lay off 31% of staff \|website=CNBC \|date=2024-01-29 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	The deal's collapse had devastating consequences: iRobot immediately laid off 350 employees (31% of staff), founder Colin Angle resigned as CEO after 33 years.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://fortune.com/europe/2024/01/29/amazon-irobot-deal-falls-through-31-percent-layoffs-founder-colin-angle/ \|title=iRobot cofounder Colin Angle departs after Amazon backs out of $1.7 billion deal \|website=Fortune \|date=2024-01-29 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		The deal's collapse had devastating consequences: iRobot immediately laid off 350 employees (31% of staff), founder Colin Angle resigned as CEO after 33 years.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://fortune.com/europe/2024/01/29/amazon-irobot-deal-falls-through-31-percent-layoffs-founder-colin-angle/ \|title=iRobot cofounder Colin Angle departs after Amazon backs out of $1.7 billion deal \|website=Fortune \|date=2024-01-29 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	==Privacy practices & data collection==		==Privacy practices & data collection==
	===2017 data monetization controversy===		===2017 data monetization controversy===
	In July 2017, CEO Colin Angle made statements to Reuters suggesting the company could share or sell customer home mapping data to major technology companies within two years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/07/25/150346/your-roomba-is-also-gathering-data-about-the-layout-of-your-home/ \|title=Your Roomba Is Also Gathering Data about the Layout of Your Home \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2017-07-25 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref> Reuters reported Angle said iRobot ''"could reach a deal to sell its maps to one or more of the Big Three [Amazon, Apple, Google] in the next couple of years"'' & that while the company would not sell data without permission.<blockquote>Angle told Reuters that iRobot would not give out the mapping data it collects without customers’ permission, which is good. That indicates that if and when this starts happening, there will be a notice to users, and that they’ll have a clear chance to refuse consent (though Angle expressed confidence that people would agree).<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Following quick consumer backlash, iRobot issued formal clarifications claiming Reuters ''"misinterpreted"'' the comments. The company's July 28-29, 2017 statement declared: <blockquote>''"First things first, iRobot will never sell your data. Colin never said that iRobot would look to sell customer maps or data to other companies."<ref>{{cite web \|date=2017-07-29 \|title=Amazon acquires Roomba: iRobot CEO says they will never sell your data {{!}} ZDNET \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ \|access-date= \|website=zdnet}}</ref>'' </blockquote>In a September 2017 follow-up interview with IEEE Spectrum, Angle clarified: "We don't even remember your map unless you tell us we can."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|title=iRobot CEO Colin Angle on Data Privacy and Robots in the Home \|website=IEEE Spectrum \|date=2017-09-07 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		In July 2017, CEO Colin Angle made statements to Reuters suggesting the company could share or sell customer home mapping data to major technology companies within two years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/07/25/150346/your-roomba-is-also-gathering-data-about-the-layout-of-your-home/ \|title=Your Roomba Is Also Gathering Data about the Layout of Your Home \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2017-07-25 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> Reuters reported Angle said iRobot ''"could reach a deal to sell its maps to one or more of the Big Three [Amazon, Apple, Google] in the next couple of years"'' & that while the company would not sell data without permission.<blockquote>Angle told Reuters that iRobot would not give out the mapping data it collects without customers’ permission, which is good. That indicates that if and when this starts happening, there will be a notice to users, and that they’ll have a clear chance to refuse consent (though Angle expressed confidence that people would agree).<ref name=":0" /></blockquote>Following quick consumer backlash, iRobot issued formal clarifications claiming Reuters ''"misinterpreted"'' the comments. The company's July 28-29, 2017 statement declared: <blockquote>''"First things first, iRobot will never sell your data. Colin never said that iRobot would look to sell customer maps or data to other companies."<ref>{{cite web \|date=2017-07-29 \|title=Amazon acquires Roomba: iRobot CEO says they will never sell your data {{!}} ZDNET \|url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/exclusive-roomba-ceo-responds-to-spying-story/ \|access-date= \|website=zdnet}}</ref>'' </blockquote>In a September 2017 follow-up interview with IEEE Spectrum, Angle clarified: "We don't even remember your map unless you tell us we can."<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/interview-irobot-ceo-colin-angle-on-privacy-and-robots-in-the-home \|title=iRobot CEO Colin Angle on Data Privacy and Robots in the Home \|website=IEEE Spectrum \|date=2017-09-07 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	===Current data collection practices===		===Current data collection practices===
	According to iRobot's privacy documentation, WiFi-enabled Roomba devices collect extensive data including:<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.irobot.com/en_US/legal/privacy-policy.html \|title=Privacy Policy \|website=iRobot \|date=2024-06-01 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		According to iRobot's privacy documentation, WiFi-enabled Roomba devices collect extensive data including:<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.irobot.com/en_US/legal/privacy-policy.html \|title=Privacy Policy \|website=iRobot \|date=2024-06-01 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>
	*Mapping data: room dimensions, furniture locations, virtual landmarks, navigation points		*Mapping data: room dimensions, furniture locations, virtual landmarks, navigation points
	*Usage data: cleaning duration & frequency, distance traveled, error codes, dirt detection events & locations		*Usage data: cleaning duration & frequency, distance traveled, error codes, dirt detection events & locations
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	===2022 photo leak scandal===		===2022 photo leak scandal===
	In December 2022, MIT Technology Review published an investigation revealing that development Roomba J7 series units captured private photos that were subsequently leaked by data annotation workers.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/19/1065306/roomba-irobot-robot-vacuums-artificial-intelligence-training-data-privacy/ \|title=A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook? \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2022-12-19 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref> The outlet obtained 15 screenshots from development robots including images of a woman sitting on a toilet & a young boy lying on a hallway floor.		In December 2022, MIT Technology Review published an investigation revealing that development Roomba J7 series units captured private photos that were subsequently leaked by data annotation workers.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/19/1065306/roomba-irobot-robot-vacuums-artificial-intelligence-training-data-privacy/ \|title=A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook? \|website=MIT Technology Review \|date=2022-12-19 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref> The outlet obtained 15 screenshots from development robots including images of a woman sitting on a toilet & a young boy lying on a hallway floor.

	iRobot responded that the images came from ''"special development robots with hardware & software modifications"'' not present in consumer products, & that users signed consent agreements. The company acknowledged having shared "over 2 million" images with Scale AI alone for data annotation. A critical revelation was that iRobot does not consider faces "sensitive information" requiring special protection, despite computer vision experts stating that silhouettes would be sufficient for obstacle avoidance without capturing faces.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/everyones-worst-fears-about-the-roomba-have-come-true \|title=iRobot Roomba Photos Raise Privacy Concerns \|website=TheStreet \|date=2022-12-20 \|access-date=~~2024~~-11-17}}</ref>		iRobot responded that the images came from ''"special development robots with hardware & software modifications"'' not present in consumer products, & that users signed consent agreements. The company acknowledged having shared "over 2 million" images with Scale AI alone for data annotation. A critical revelation was that iRobot does not consider faces "sensitive information" requiring special protection, despite computer vision experts stating that silhouettes would be sufficient for obstacle avoidance without capturing faces.<ref>{{cite web \|url=https://www.thestreet.com/retail/everyones-worst-fears-about-the-roomba-have-come-true \|title=iRobot Roomba Photos Raise Privacy Concerns \|website=TheStreet \|date=2022-12-20 \|access-date=2025-11-17}}</ref>

	==cloud service dependency & how this affects customers==		==cloud service dependency & how this affects customers==