Tag: iRobot

  • iRobot Roomba Mini: World’s Smallest Robot Vacuum with AutoEmpty

    iRobot Roomba Mini: World’s Smallest Robot Vacuum with AutoEmpty

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Roomba Mini is a compact robot vacuum, measuring 24.5 cm in diameter, making it easier to access narrow spaces.
    2. It features a powerful suction capability, claiming up to 70 times more suction than the older Roomba 600 series, but uses a single brush instead of two.
    3. The AutoEmpty Dock automatically clears the vacuum’s dustbin and has a dust bag that needs changing every 90 days.
    4. The Roomba Mini can vacuum or mop using single-use mop pads, but cannot perform both functions simultaneously.
    5. The vacuum is available in Europe for €399 / £379 and comes in various colors, including white, pink, mint, and black.


    With the Roomba Mini, iRobot shows it can still create fresh products even after being taken over by the Chinese robotics giant Picea Robotics. The Roomba Mini has a diameter of 24.5 cm (9.6 in), making it about half the size of standard robot vacuums. This compact design allows it to access narrow spaces between furniture more easily.

    Compact Size and Features

    Standing at around 9.2 cm (3.6 in) tall, the Mini matches the height of many competing models. Moreover, iRobot has made the AutoEmpty Dock smaller, which helps in making the Roomba Mini a great choice for small apartments. The company claims this Mini offers up to 70 times more suction power compared to the older Roomba 600 series. However, it now has just one brush instead of the usual two-brush system, which might make it less effective for cleaning carpets.

    Unique Cleaning Functionality

    As the name implies, the AutoEmpty Dock can automatically clear the dustbin of the vacuum. This dock contains a dust bag that usually needs to be changed every 90 days. The Roomba Mini also offers an interesting mopping feature: instead of using a complex self-cleaning roller, it uses single-use mop pads placed over the suction inlet. Therefore, the Mini can either vacuum or mop but not both at the same time. The navigation and mapping function is powered by a LiDAR scanner.

    Availability and Pricing

    The iRobot Roomba Mini with the AutoEmpty Dock is currently on sale in Europe for €399 / £379 and comes in colors like white, pink, mint, and black. For further details, you can visit the official product page.

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  • iRobot Bankruptcy: Shareholder Losses and Roomba Takeover Plans

    iRobot Bankruptcy: Shareholder Losses and Roomba Takeover Plans

    Key Takeaways

    1. iRobot is undergoing a Chapter 11 bankruptcy process and will be taken over by Shenzhen Picea Robotics Co., Ltd.
    2. The acquisition is expected to be completed by February 2026, with no immediate changes to app access or robot capabilities for users.
    3. Shareholders may lose all their investments due to the bankruptcy, and the impact on employees and management remains unclear.
    4. Picea aims to leverage iRobot’s brand to market its ODM products directly to consumers, potentially increasing profits.
    5. iRobot’s future product development and brand identity may change significantly under Picea’s ownership.


    For a few months, iRobot has been running low on funds, facing the possibility of bankruptcy. That moment has arrived, and now iRobot is being taken over by Shenzhen Picea Robotics Co., Ltd. through a court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy process.

    Picea’s Role in the Acquisition

    Picea is an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) that creates and makes vacuum and mopping robots for various brands, which includes the Roomba Max 705 Combo and the Dyson Spot+Scrub. The takeover is anticipated to wrap up by February 2026. iRobot emphasizes that users shouldn’t anticipate any limitations regarding access to the iRobot app or the capabilities of Roomba and Braava Jet robots during the takeover. After everything is finalized, iRobot will be fully owned by Picea, and its shares will no longer be available for trading on the stock market.

    Impact on Shareholders and Employees

    Shareholders are likely to lose all their investments as part of the bankruptcy process, assuming the court approves it. iRobot has not yet shared what this situation will mean for its employees or management. For Picea, this acquisition presents a chance to market its ODM products directly to consumers under a well-known global brand, potentially leading to higher profit margins. It seems unlikely that iRobot will create any new products independently that are not directly linked to Picea’s ODM range.

    Future Prospects for iRobot

    In summary, iRobot is entering a challenging period with this acquisition, as it transitions from an independent company to a part of Picea’s operations. The future of its products and brand identity might shift significantly, depending on how Picea decides to manage the iRobot name in the market.

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  • iRobot Faces Bankruptcy: Roomba Vacuums May Lose Key Features

    iRobot Faces Bankruptcy: Roomba Vacuums May Lose Key Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. iRobot has faced ongoing financial troubles, resulting in a significant revenue decline of 24.6% year-over-year in Q3 2025.
    2. The company reported a loss of $17.7 million in Q3 2025, compared to a profit of $7.3 million in the previous year.
    3. iRobot currently holds only $24.8 million in financial reserves and has lost access to additional funding.
    4. The company has postponed a deadline with a major creditor until December 1, 2025, to find potential solutions to avoid bankruptcy.
    5. If iRobot files for bankruptcy, Roomba vacuum users may lose access to app features, forcing manual control of their devices.


    The US-based firm iRobot has faced financial troubles for several years now. After a significant buyout attempt by Amazon fell apart because of regulatory issues, iRobot has been working hard to regain its market position amidst rising competition from China. This past spring, the company rolled out a new line of robot vacuums equipped with LiDAR scanners and mops, aiming to rival similar products from other brands.

    Revenue Decline

    Unfortunately, this strategy doesn’t seem to be swaying potential buyers. As per the financial report for the third quarter of 2025, which concluded on September 27, 2025, iRobot is experiencing a drop in revenue. The company brought in only $145.8 million, marking a 24.6% decrease compared to Q3 2024. Rather than posting a profit of $7.3 million from the previous year, iRobot faced a loss of $17.7 million this quarter.

    Financial Reserves and Future Outlook

    Currently, the company holds just $24.8 million in financial reserves. According to its own disclosures, iRobot has lost access to additional funding, which means it might have to halt operations in the coming months. In their SEC Form K-8, iRobot mentioned that it has postponed a deadline with one of its major creditors until December 1 to explore possible solutions. If the company is unable to secure a buyer or find new funding by that date, it risks facing bankruptcy.

    iRobot didn’t clarify to The Verge what bankruptcy could mean for Roomba vacuum owners. However, it is likely that the servers would go offline, leading to the iRobot app ceasing to function. This would result in the robots losing access to all mapping and automation capabilities, forcing users to control them manually using the buttons on the device. Some models like the Roomba Max 705 Combo (starting at $899 on Amazon) are anticipated to include Matter support, enabling control through third-party apps. However, this software update has yet to be launched.

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  • DJI Romo: Latest Details on DJI’s First Robot Vacuum Revealed

    DJI Romo: Latest Details on DJI’s First Robot Vacuum Revealed

    The market for robot vacuums is primarily led by a few major brands like iRobot, Ecovacs, and Roborock. Nevertheless, a recent report hints that DJI is preparing to enter this expanding product category after taking considerable time to develop.

    DJI’s New Venture

    As per Dronenr, DJI is currently working on the Romo. Interestingly, this new robot vacuum was shown alongside other upcoming DJI offerings, which include new models of the Mavic 3 and Mavic 3 Pro, currently priced at $2,149.99 on Amazon.

    Features and Pricing

    Rumor has it that the Romo will be positioned as a premium product, potentially starting at a price above $1,000 in global markets. Furthermore, Dronenr claims that DJI might incorporate LiDAR sensors, which could give the Romo an edge over its competitors. These sensors might also be present in the newly released Air 3S from last month.

    Functionality and Customization

    It’s no surprise that the Romo is expected to feature room mapping and object detection capabilities. In addition, Dronenr indicates that users may be able to personalize cleaning schedules, suction strength, and water levels. Ultimately, it remains uncertain how the DJI Romo will set itself apart from the already established rivals in the field.

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  • iRobot Launches 2-in-1 Vacuum Robot with 120 Min Battery Life

    iRobot Launches 2-in-1 Vacuum Robot with 120 Min Battery Life

    The vacuum robot maker iRobot has introduced its newest model, the Roomba Combo 2. They claim that this budget-friendly robot comes with strong suction capabilities. Although, they haven’t specified the exact suction power it offers. The device is equipped with a Multi-Surface bristle brush, an edge-sweeping brush, and a washable microfiber mop pad that operates within a 4-stage cleaning system. Users can select from three mopping water levels and four different suction power settings.

    Advanced Features

    This cleaning robot is designed with special sensors (however, iRobot has not disclosed the type of sensors used, whether they are LDS, LiDar, or something else) for avoiding obstacles. The Roomba Combo 2 has two distinct cleaning modes: Vacuum only and Vacuum plus mop. An AutoEmpty dock feature is also included, which automatically clears out dust and debris into the dock after the cleaning job is done. The company mentions that the AutoEmpty dock can store up to 60 days’ worth of dirt.

    Performance and Control

    According to iRobot, the robot can operate for as long as 120 minutes on a single charge. Additionally, you can manage the vacuum robot via voice commands using Siri, Google Assistant, or Amazon Alexa, or through the iRobot home app. The app offers multiple functionalities, such as modifying suction and water levels, scheduling cleaning tasks, reviewing cleaning logs, checking the robot’s status, and installing OTA updates.

    In conjunction with the Roomba Combo 2, iRobot also released the Roomba Vac 2 vacuum robot for the North American market. The Vac 2 shares many of the same features as the Combo 2, including the AutoEmpty dock and 120 minutes of battery life, but is designed for vacuuming only.

    Pricing Information

    You can purchase the Roomba Combo 2 Essential vacuum robot for $424.99, while the Roomba Vac 2 is available for $399.99 through Amazon and other authorized sellers in North America.Roomba Combo 2 Essential vacuum robot for $424

    iRobot via PRNewswire


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