Do you own a Roomba? What iRobot's bankruptcy means for customers.
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Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY December 16, 2025 at 1:38 AM
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iRobot, the maker of the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner, filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 14, saying it would go private after being purchased by its Chinese manufacturer.
In a news release on Dec. 14, the company announced the move, citing factors such as increased competition from foreign rivals, heavy debt, and higher costs from tariffs being implemented. The filing comes about two years after the company failed to merge with Amazon.
"Today's announcement marks a pivotal milestone in securing iRobot's long-term future," said iRobot CEO Gary Cohen. "The transaction will strengthen our financial position and will help deliver continuity for our consumers, customers, and partners.
A display of Roomba robot vacuums made by iRobot sits on a store shelf on Dec. 15, 2025, in Miami.
iRobot was founded in 1990 by three Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists. The company initially focused on defense and space work before debuting the Roomba robotic vacuum in 2002.
iRobot added that it would be taken over by Picea Robotics, which has been the company's main manufacturer.
According to court records obtained by USA TODAY, iRobot said it owed more than $3 million in unpaid tariffs. New U.S. tariffs have also harmed the company, especially a 46% levy on imports from Vietnam, where iRobot manufactures vacuum cleaners for the U.S. market.
iRobot is headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, and has 274 employees, according to court documents.
With iRobot filing for bankruptcy, what does it mean for consumers?
Will my Roomba stop working?
In its news release, iRobot said its devices will run, as usual, despite the bankruptcy filing.
“During the Chapter 11 process, iRobot will continue operating in the ordinary course with no anticipated disruption to its app functionality, customer programs, global partners, supply chain relationships, or ongoing product support,” the release said.
As part of the bankruptcy process, the company will be taken private and integrated into Picea Robotics, which produces other household devices like Shark and Anker.
What products does iRobot make?
As of now, iRobot sells a variety of robot vacuums and mops that range from as low as $200 to as high as $1,400.
Among them is the Roomba Max 705 vacuum, which comes with an AutoEmpty dock, as well as the Roomba 105 Combo robot, which combines both vacuum and mop.
Contributing: Reuters
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected] and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will my Roomba stop working? What to know about iRobot's bankruptcy.
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