iRobot, the company behind the popular Roomba robotic vacuums, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The Massachusetts-based company plans to sell its assets to its primary supplier, Chinese firm Picea Robotics. If approved by a bankruptcy court, iRobot says it will continue operations, maintain its global footprint, and pursue its product development roadmap.
The company expects the deal to close in February 2026. iRobot assured customers that app functionality, ongoing product support, supply chain operations, and customer programs will continue without disruption. That means Roombas should keep working as normal, and replacement parts and consumables will remain available.
However, investors holding common stock are expected to lose their investments entirely if the sale goes through, iRobot stated. The company did not comment on potential effects on employees in the U.S. or other locations.
Bankruptcy had become increasingly likely after Amazon abandoned its $1.7 billion acquisition of iRobot last year due to a veto threat from European regulators. The company had warned investors in March 2025 that it had “substantial doubt” about its ability to continue.
iRobot, which introduced the Roomba in 2002 and led the robotic vacuum market for over a decade, has faced declining sales in recent years. Competition from brands such as Roborock and Dreame, combined with supply chain challenges and tariffs—including a 46 percent tariff on products manufactured in Vietnam—contributed to its financial struggles.
Earlier in 2025, iRobot launched new models, including the Roomba 105 Vac Robot series and Roomba Plus 505 Combo Robot with AutoWash Dock, but sales growth remained insufficient to offset declining market share.
CEO Gary Cohen said the planned sale is a step toward securing the company’s future. “Today’s announcement marks a pivotal milestone in securing iRobot’s long-term future,” Cohen said. “The transaction will strengthen our financial position and help deliver continuity for our consumers, customers, and partners.”
