Roomba by iRobot (Picea): status and timeline

Roomba

A disk-shaped autonomous robot vacuum that cleans floors by navigating rooms and avoiding obstacles. Uses SLAM for mapping and voice control. Newer models add mopping and auto-empty docks.

ScalingStage 5 of 5

Pioneer since 2002. 2026 Plus with higher suction (20K–30K Pa). Picea-owned January 2026.

Updated Sep 2026Checked 10 Oct0 updates this week

Milestones

Next · Roomba Plus lineup with higher suction power launched

First Roomba shipped2002Complete.
iRobot IPO2005Complete.
Auto-empty dock introducedJul 2021Complete.
iRobot files for bankruptcy protection14 Dec 2025Complete.
Picea Robotics completes acquisition23 Jan 2026Complete.
Roomba Plus lineup with higher suction power launchedTarget 2026Current milestone.

Most important updates

Upcoming

2026Roomba Plus lineup with higher suction power launched (next)
2026New tariff and supply chain negotiations

Current obstacles

Price pressure from Chinese competitorsChinese brands offer comparable vacuums at 30–50% lower prices. Must compete on durability, ecosystem and brand loyalty.
Supply chain tariffsUS tariffs on Vietnam-made components increased costs $23M in 2025. Tariff changes impact pricing and margins.
Ownership transitionChinese ownership raises regulatory and customer perception questions in the US market.

Physics limits

Hard floors are harder than carpetsSuction works best on carpet pile; hard floors rely on brush contact and debris size. Larger debris and wet messes still require manual cleanup.
Battery energy densityLithium-ion stores ~250 Wh/kg. More runtime requires larger batteries; compact form can't accommodate without weight/cost impact.

How it works

3 parts

Autonomous navigation

SLAM mapping

Builds a real-time map while tracking its own position. Enables efficient cleaning patterns.

Cleaning mechanics

Dual counter-rotating brushes

Two rotating brushes sweep dirt to center; a side brush reaches edges. Suction pulls debris into bin; newer models have mopping.

Fleet management

Scheduling and docking

Schedules cleaning, returns home to charge, and auto-empties the bin into a dock. App shows maps and usage.

Spec sheet

Spec	Roomba
2026 model lineup	Roomba Plus 415, 515, 575, 615, 675 Combo^R (reported)
Max suction (Plus models)	30,000 Pa^R (reported)
Compact factor	Shorter profile to fit under low furniture^R (reported)

^R reported by the company

Update log

4 updates

About iRobot (Picea)

The team behind Roomba

iRobot (Picea)

Roomba robot vacuums, home robots, Chinese ownership Picea

iRobot pioneered consumer robot vacuums with Roomba from 2002. Founded by MIT AI researchers. After tariffs and Chinese competition, it filed for bankruptcy in December 2025 and was acquired by Picea Robotics on January 23, 2026, continuing operations under new ownership.

Invented the robot vacuum market with Roomba in 2002; went public in 2005 at $3.56B valuation by 2021.
46% tariffs on Vietnam-made vacuums ($23M cost impact in 2025) and cheaper Chinese rivals led to bankruptcy.
Picea Robotics acquired it on January 23, 2026. iRobot maintains US product development and marketing.

irobot.com (opens irobot.com)Company profile →

Founded: 199036 yrs
Headquarters: United States
Status: Privateof Picea Robotics
Valuation: private
Works in: RoboticsHome robots
Coverage: 1 program · 4 updateslatest 1 Sep 2026checked 10 Oct
Acquired by: Picea Robotics (opens media.irobot.com)
People: Rodney Brooks (opens en.wikipedia.org)Co-founderHelen Greiner (opens en.wikipedia.org)Co-founder

Spec

Roomba

2026 model lineup

Roomba Plus 415, 515, 575, 615, 675 Combo^R (reported)

Max suction (Plus models)

30,000 Pa^R (reported)

Compact factor

Shorter profile to fit under low furniture^R (reported)

Roomba

Milestones

Most important updates

Upcoming

Current obstacles

Physics limits

How it works

SLAM mapping

Dual counter-rotating brushes

Scheduling and docking

Spec sheet

Update log

Sep 2026

Tue 10 Mar

Fri 23 Jan

Sun 14 Dec 2025

About iRobot (Picea)

Current obstacles

Physics limits

How it works

SLAM mapping

Dual counter-rotating brushes

Scheduling and docking

Spec sheet

Update log

Sep 2026

Tue 10 Mar

Fri 23 Jan

Sun 14 Dec 2025

About iRobot (Picea)