Editing IRobot

{{Short description|American technology company that produces consumer robots}}
{{About|the robot company|other uses|I, Robot (disambiguation)}}
{{lowercase|title=iRobot}}
{{Infobox company
| name = iRobot Corporation
| logo = IRobot Green logo.png
| image = Irobotheadquarters.jpg
| image_caption = Headquarters in [[Bedford, Massachusetts]]
| type = [[Public company|Public]]
| traded_as = {{NASDAQ|IRBT}}
| industry = [[Robotics]]
| founders = {{ubl|class=nowrap
 | [[Rodney Brooks]]
 | Colin Angle
 | [[Helen Greiner]] }}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1990}}, [[Delaware]], U.S.
| location = [[Bedford, Massachusetts]], U.S.
| products = {{ubl|[[Domestic robot]]s|[[Military robot]]s (until 2016)}}
| services = 
| key_people = {{ubl|class=nowrap
 | Andrew Miller ([[chairman]])
 | Gary Cohen ([[Chief executive officer|CEO]])
 | Julie Zeiler ([[Chief financial officer|CFO]])}}
| revenue = {{decrease}} {{US$|891 million|link=yes}} (2023)
| operating_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|-264 million}} (2023)
| net_income = {{decrease}} {{US$|-305 million}} (2023)
| assets = {{decrease}} {{US$|734 million}} (2023)
| equity = {{decrease}} {{US$|196 million}} (2023)
| num_employees = {{formatnum:1113}} (December 2023)
| divisions = 
| subsid = 
| homepage = {{URL|irobot.com}}
| footnotes = <ref name="10-K 2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1159167/000115916724000008/irbt-20231230.htm|title=US SEC: Form 10-K iRobot Corporation|publisher=[[U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission]]|date=February 27, 2024}}</ref>
}}

'''iRobot Corporation''' is an American technology company that designs and builds consumer [[robot]]s. It was founded in 1990 by three members of [[MIT]]'s Artificial Intelligence Lab, who designed robots for space exploration and military defense.<ref>Eng, Dinah (August 14, 2014). "[http://fortune.com/2014/08/14/irobot-practical-robots/ iRobot: From R2-D2 to practical robots.]" Fortune. Retrieved March 1, 2017</ref> The company's products include a range of autonomous home [[vacuum cleaner]]s ([[Roomba]]), floor moppers ([[IRobot#Braava|Braava]]), and other autonomous cleaning devices.<ref name="Selling off warbot business">{{cite news |last=O'Brien |first=Matt |date=August 31, 2016 |url=http://bigstory.ap.org/article/30b9ca36e9224cefa2e5c5d636ddea9f/irobot-ceo-says-vacuum-cleaners-clear-path-robot-future |title=iRobot CEO says vacuum cleaners clear path to robot future |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170225132044/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/30b9ca36e9224cefa2e5c5d636ddea9f/irobot-ceo-says-vacuum-cleaners-clear-path-robot-future |archive-date=2017-02-25 |url-status=dead |agency=Associated Press |access-date=February 24, 2017}}</ref>

A planned takeover deal by [[Amazon (company)|Amazon.com]] for US$1.7{{nbsp}}billion, announced in August 2022, collapsed in January 2024 amid antitrust scrutiny by the [[European Commission]].<ref name="amazon-terminate">{{Cite web |last1=Mattioli |first1=Dana |last2=Mackrael |first2=Kim |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Amazon, iRobot Abandon Deal Amid Regulatory Scrutiny |url=https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/amazon-irobot-scrap-acquisition-deal-7072122f |access-date=January 29, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240129175945/https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/amazon-irobot-scrap-acquisition-deal-7072122f |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==
iRobot was founded in 1990 by [[Rodney Brooks]], Colin Angle, and [[Helen Greiner]] after working in [[Massachusetts Institute of Technology|MIT]]'s [[MIT AI Lab|Artificial Intelligence Lab]]. In 1998, the company received a [[DARPA]] research contract which led to the development of the [[PackBot]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/mass-high-tech/2008/06/irobot-awarded-33m-to-build-new-darpa-robot.html|access-date=2021-02-04|website=www.bizjournals.com |title = IRobot awarded $3.3M to build new DARPA robot}}</ref>

In September 2002, iRobot unveiled its flagship home robot, the [[Roomba]], which went on to sell a million units by 2004.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irobot.com/million_roombas/million.htm |title=One Million Roombas |access-date=2013-03-26 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512005148/http://www.irobot.com/million_roombas/million.htm |archive-date=2013-05-12 }}</ref> In August 2005, the company won a patent infringement case against Canadian company Koolatron Corp., prohibiting them from selling an unauthorized clone of the Roomba called the Koolvac in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Ulanoff |first1=Lance |title=iRobot Targets Roomba Knockoff |url=http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1814570,00.asp |website=PCMag |access-date=31 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930180614/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1814570,00.asp |date=10 May 2005 |url-status=dead|archive-date=2007-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=iRobot patent win sweeps rival out of U.S. |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2005/08/22/daily46.html |website=Boston Business Journal |publisher=American City Business Journals |access-date=31 March 2025 |date=25 August 2005}}</ref> iRobot began being traded on the [[NASDAQ]] in November 2005, under ticker symbol IRBT.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The history of the Roomba|url=https://fortune.com/2013/11/29/the-history-of-the-roomba/|access-date=2021-02-04|website=Fortune|language=en |date=November 29, 2013 |first=Jolie |last=Kerr}}</ref> On September 17, 2012, iRobot announced that it had acquired [[Evolution Robotics]], manufacturer of automated floor mopper Mint.<ref name="Acquisition press release">{{cite web |url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=203 |title=IRobot Corporation: Our History |access-date=2009-11-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103091646/http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=203 |archive-date=2012-01-03 }}</ref>

In addition to deployment as bomb-disposal units with the US military in Iraq and Afghanistan, PackBots have been used to gather data in dangerous conditions at the [[Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster]] site,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/18/irobot-packbots-enter-fukushima-nuclear-plant-to-gather-data-ta/|title=iRobot Packbots enter Fukushima nuclear plant to gather data, take photos, save lives (video)|author=Amar Toor|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget|date=18 April 2011 |access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref> and an [[Seaglider|iRobot Seaglider]] detected underwater pools of oil after the [[Deepwater Horizon oil spill]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xconomy.com/boston/2012/09/12/packbots-roombas-and-now-healthcare-the-irobot-story/?single_page=true|title=iRobot and healthcare|work=Xconomy|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref> In February 2016, iRobot announced that it would sell its military robotics business to [[Arlington Capital Partners]], in order to focus more on the consumer market.<ref name="ars-spinout">{{cite web|title=iRobot sells off military unit, will stick to friendlier consumer robots|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2016/02/irobot-sells-off-military-unit-will-stick-to-friendlier-consumer-robots/|website=Ars Technica|date=5 February 2016 |first=Ron |last=Amadeo |access-date=5 February 2016}}</ref>

In November 2021, iRobot announced that it had acquired Aeris Cleantec AG, a Swiss air purifier manufacturer. iRobot began selling Aeris-designed air purifiers through its own brand in 2022.<ref>{{cite web |date=18 November 2021 |title=iRobot Acquires Air Purification Company, Aeris Cleantec AG |url=https://aeris.irobot.com/irobot-acquires-air-purification-company-aeris-cleantec-ag/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810083519/https://aeris.irobot.com/irobot-acquires-air-purification-company-aeris-cleantec-ag/ |archive-date=10 August 2022 |access-date=1 May 2022 |website=irobot.com |publisher=iRobot Corporation}}</ref> By 2020, iRobot had sold more than 30 million home robots, and deployed more than 5,000 defense & security robots.<ref>{{cite web |title=iRobot Reports Third-Quarter 2020 Financial Results |url=https://media.irobot.com/2020-10-20-iRobot-Reports-Third-Quarter-2020-Financial-Results |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127141214/https://media.irobot.com/2020-10-20-iRobot-Reports-Third-Quarter-2020-Financial-Results |archive-date=27 January 2021 |access-date=24 April 2021}}</ref>

=== Attempted acquisition by Amazon (2022–2024) ===
On August 5, 2022, [[Amazon (company)|Amazon]] announced its intent to acquire iRobot in a deal worth US$1.7{{nbsp}}billion. The deal was subject to federal approval from the U.S. [[Federal Trade Commission]] (FTC) and other regulatory agencies.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Bray |first1=Hiawatha |last2=Gardizy |first2=Anissa |date=August 5, 2022 |title=iRobot Roombas its way into Amazon's arms |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/08/05/business/amazon-acquire-irobot-17-billion-deal-local-robotics-firm-faces-challenges/}}</ref> In September 2022, the FTC requested more data from both companies, amid concerns about Amazon's market power and the privacy implications of it gaining information about consumer floorplans.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-21 |title=FTC reviewing Amazon's $1.7 billion deal to buy iRobot |url=https://apnews.com/article/technology-federal-trade-commission-65d4e0de892f0e1b2f8ee20b6f45832e |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> 

In June 2023, the UK's [[Competition and Markets Authority]] cleared the acquisition, saying it wouldn't lead to competition concerns in the country. <ref>{{Cite news |last=Mathews |first=Eva |date=2023-06-16 |title=UK clears Amazon's $1.7 billion deal for Roomba-maker iRobot |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/uk-regulator-clears-amazons-planned-purchase-irobot-2023-06-16/ |access-date=2023-06-16}}</ref> The [[European Commission]] launched a formal investigation into the proposed purchase in July 2023, citing that it would "allow Amazon to restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners ('RVCs') and to strengthen its position as online marketplace provider."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Jon |date=2023-07-06 |title=Amazon's iRobot Roomba acquisition under formal EU investigation |url=https://www.theverge.com/2023/7/6/23628636/eu-regulators-amazon-irobot-roomba-acquisition-investigation |access-date=2023-07-07 |website=The Verge |language=en-US}}</ref> In July 2023, Amazon reduced the offer price to $1.42{{nbsp}}billion after iRobot raised $200{{nbsp}}million in new debt to fund its daily operations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Soni |first=Aditya |date=25 July 2023 |title=Amazon lowers iRobot deal price by 15% after Roomba maker incurs fresh debt |url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/amazon-amends-irobot-deal-lower-offer-price-by-15-2023-07-25/ |publisher=Reuters}}</ref> 

In January 2024, Amazon and iRobot announced they would end their plans to merge in the face of opposition from [[European Union|EU]] and [[United States antitrust law|U.S.]] [[Competition law|antitrust]] regulators.<ref name="amazon-terminate" /><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/amazon-irobot-abandon-merger-face-eu-opposition-2024-01-29/|title=Amazon, Roomba-parent iRobot abandon $1.4 billion merger deal|website=Reuters|date=January 29, 2024|author=David Shepardson|access-date=March 27, 2025}}</ref>  This resulted in Amazon paying iRobot a $94{{nbsp}}million [[reverse breakup fee]], iRobot laying off 31{{nbsp}}percent of its employees, and CEO Colin Angle departing.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/bc-eu-amazon-irobot-vacuum-cleaner_n_65b7adc8e4b0d407294fdf2c |title=Amazon Calls Off Bid To Buy Robot Vacuum Cleaner IRobot Amid Scrutiny In The US And Europe |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref> Gary Cohen was appointed as the company’s new chief executive in May 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hiawatha |first=Bray |first4=7:55 p m Share on Facebook Share on TwitterView |title=IRobot names new CEO, claims progress on restructuring - The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/05/07/business/irobot-new-ceo-restructuring/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Current home robots==

===Roomba===
{{Main|Roomba}}
[[File:Roomba 805 charging.jpg|thumb|Roomba 805 on its charging dock]]
Roomba is an automated [[vacuum cleaner|vacuum cleaning]] robot first released in 2002. Roomba is powered by a rechargeable battery, and many models are available with a docking station to which the robot returns to recharge at the end of its cleaning cycle. They work in conjunction with accessories that use both [[Infrared|IR]] and [[Radio control|RF]].

The company intentionally allows customers to hack the robot because they want people to experiment and improve the product. The API for the serial has been published and the serial port made easily accessible to make modifications easy to perform.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/10/colin-angle-irobot-ceo/all/1 | work=[[Wired.com]] | first1=Mic | last1=Wright | title=The Wired Interview: iRobot CEO Colin Angle | date=2010-10-23}}</ref>

In 2015, iRobot released an updated Roomba called the Roomba 980, with a camera that uses [[VSLAM]] technology to map out a room and the objects in the room to clean the entire floor of a home. The Roomba 980 also includes carpet boost, increasing suction when the Roomba detects itself on carpets or rugs. This was also one of the first Roombas to include Wi-Fi connectivity with app control.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://media.irobot.com/2015-09-16-iRobot-Enters-the-Smart-Home-with-Roomba-980-Vacuum-Cleaning-Robot|title=iRobot Enters the Smart Home with Roomba® 980 Vacuum Cleaning Robot|website=iRobot MediaKit|language=en|access-date=2019-02-14}}</ref>

In May 2022, iRobot announced the new operating system and software platform for its Roomba vacuum cleaners, iRobot OS. The company stated the move from iRobot genius to iRobot OS will aid in giving their products a deeper understanding of the user’s households and the users habits, in addition to voice commands and greater objected identification.<ref>{{cite web|website=The Verge|title=iRobot OS is the newest 'brain' for your Roomba|date=31 May 2022 |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/5/31/23147761/irobot-os-intelligent-software-robot-vacuums|access-date=31 May 2022}}</ref>

In October 2022, iRobot released the Roomba Combo, which includes mopping capabilities. The robot is able to differentiate between hardwood floor and carpet, and it lifts its mop to the top of the robot when transitioning to carpet.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irobot.com/en_US/roomba-combo-j7plus-robot-vacuum-and-mop/C755020.html|title=Roomba Combo™ j7+ Robot Vacuum and Mop|website=www.irobot.com|language=en|access-date=2022-10-22}}</ref>

===Braava===
[[File:Braava 380t 2.jpg|thumb|Braava 380t damp cleaning]]
Braava is iRobot's floor mopping robot, designed to work on hard-surface floors. Braava uses disposable or microfiber cleaning cloths for damp and/or dry cleaning. The 380t model comes with a Channel 4 NorthStar Navigation Cube, which is set on a high surface and directs the robot around the area it cleans.

The design was known as the Mint until 2013. It was developed by [[Evolution Robotics]], which was acquired by iRobot in 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.betaboston.com/news/2016/03/15/irobots-new-mop-will-jet-around-your-bathroom-floors/|title=iRobot's new mop will jet around your bathroom floors|access-date=2016-08-18|archive-date=2016-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813153238/http://www.betaboston.com/news/2016/03/15/irobots-new-mop-will-jet-around-your-bathroom-floors/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Create===
{{Main|iRobot Create}}
[[File:IRobotCreate.jpg|thumb|An unmodified iRobot Create with Command Module (small green attachment)]]
Create is a [[hobby]] robot, released in 2007. Create offers users the possibility of changing or adapting the robot's functions through experimentation with the basic elements of robotics as well as by adding sensors, grippers, wireless connections, computers, or other hardware.

===Root===
Root is an educational robot designed for use by children learning how to code. It is programmed through a tablet or smartphone.<ref>{{cite web |title=Kids can have fun and learn to code with this cool robot |url=https://www.usatoday.com/videos/tech/reviewedcom/2021/02/19/kids-can-have-fun-and-learn-code-cool-robot/4514185001/ |website=usatoday.com |access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref> iRobot acquired Root Robotics in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |title=The little robot that could |url=https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2019/06/irobot-acquires-root-robotics-bringing-coding-education-to-classrooms-worldwide/ |website=news.harvard.edu |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=February 22, 2021}}</ref>

==In development==

===Terra===
In 2019, iRobot received FCC approval to move forward with their plans to commercialize a [[robotic lawn mower]] capable of using wireless localization technology, which they announced would be branded as "Terra".<ref>{{cite web |title=RLA-Y1 Terra T7 Robot Mower by iRobot |url=https://electric.garden/uferla-y1?fccid|access-date=2 September 2019}}</ref> Terra uses [[robotic mapping|mapping]] to navigate and mow the lawn in a straight-line pattern. It uses smart beacon stakes to localize itself in the yard, and is taught a boundary by the user (where the robot should avoid going, such as a garden). Terra includes [[Wi-Fi]] capabilities and a docking station for recharging. Terra was available as a beta program in 2019 in Germany and the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irobot.com/about-irobot/company-information/robot-lawn-mower|title=Robot Lawn Mower|website=www.irobot.com|access-date=2019-02-14|archive-date=2019-02-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190214174224/https://www.irobot.com/about-irobot/company-information/robot-lawn-mower|url-status=dead}}</ref> The program was indefinitely postponed in March 2020.

==Discontinued products==

===Scooba===
{{Main|Scooba (brand)}}
[[File:IRobot Scooba 380.jpg|thumb|Photo of the now-discontinued iRobot Scooba 380 in 2009]]
Scooba was iRobot's [[floor-washing robot]]. The product became commercially available in limited quantities in late 2005 before a full product release in 2006. Early models required either a special non-bleach cleaning solution or white [[vinegar]] to wash hard floors. Newer units could use plain water. Several versions were marketed. iRobot discontinued the Scooba line of products in favor of the Braava line of floor moppers in 2016.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.investors.com/news/technology/click/irobot-hopes-to-clean-up-in-floor-mopping-business/|title=IRobot Hopes To Clean Up In Floor-Mopping Business|last1=Seitz|first1=Patrick|newspaper=Investor's Business Daily|date=16 March 2016|access-date=9 August 2016}}</ref> 

===Dirt Dog===
Dirt Dog was a variant of Roomba designed for workshop use that was released in 2006. The product picks up small objects such as [[Nut (hardware)|nuts]], [[Bolted joint|bolts]], dirt, and debris from a workshop or similar floor. The unit was able to be used on hard floors, shop carpets and industrial floor surfaces. The Dirt Dog was discontinued in late 2010.

===My Real Baby===
My Real Baby was a robotic toy marketed by iRobot from 2000 and produced in partnership with the toy manufacturer [[Hasbro]]. It is no longer in production. This product, which was meant to look like a human infant, employed animatronic facial expressions and was developed from an emotionally expressive and responsive robot developed by iRobot corporation called "IT."

===ConnectR===
ConnectR was a videoconferencing robot which was prototyped in 2010. It did not pass pilot tests and was not sold commercially.

===Verro===

Verro was a [[swimming-pool]] cleaning robot released in April 2007.<ref>[http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=316 iRobot Verro Pool Cleaning Robot] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070517105133/http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=316 |date=2007-05-17 }}</ref>

=== Looj ===
Looj was a gutter-cleaning robot released in September 2007. Looj is not an [[autonomous robot]], but rather a remote-controlled robot patterned after a toy tank with an auger mounted on the front. The robot fits inside most gutters to clean out debris stuck inside them, such as leaves and pine needles. It has long treads on its side which allow it to move inside the gutter. The auger dislodges and removes almost all of the debris inside the gutter by flinging it sideways into the air. Looj also has a detachable handle/remote that is used to carry and operate the robot. It was discontinued in 2017.

=== Mirra===
Mirra was a [[swimming-pool]] cleaning robot, the successor of Verro. Mirra cleaned a pool's floor and walls of large and small debris. It was discontinued in 2014.

==Military and policing robots==
[[Image:Packbot.PNG|thumb|A [[PackBot]] Scout robot shown with its second pair of treads in the horizontal position. This robot is conducting search and rescue at [[World Trade Center site|ground zero]] after the [[September 11, 2001 attacks|9/11]] terrorist attacks.]]

In April 2016, iRobot sold off its Defense & Security unit, with a new company being formed called Endeavor Robotics.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/59288/irobot-s-defence-unit-relaunches-as-endeavor-robotics|title = Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news}}</ref> This unit became part of [[Teledyne FLIR]] in 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2019/10/04/flir-buys-aria-patents-aiming-to-merge-ground-and.html |title=FLIR buys Aria patents, aiming to merge ground and drone robots for military use |date=October 4, 2019 |first=Lucia |last=Maffei |work=[[American City Business Journals]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://techcrunch.com/2022/08/05/amazon-is-buying-irobot-for-1-7b/ |title=Amazon is buying iRobot for $1.7B |date=August 5, 2022 |work=[[TechCrunch]] |first=Brian |last=Heater}}</ref>

===First Generation Robots===
* ''[[Genghis_(robot)|Genghis]]'' (1991) was iRobot's first robot. It was designed as a test platform for researchers. The robot is currently at the [[National Air and Space Museum|Smithsonian Air and Space Museum]]
* ''Ariel'' (1996) is a crab-like robot designed to remove mines, both in and out of water.
* ''Urbie'' (1997) was a [[proof of concept]] robot designed for urban environments. The platform was designed with two [[tank]]-like tracks so it could climb stairs. Urbie was field tested at [[Fort Benning]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], United States; one model was gifted to a local high school on indefinite loan in 2005. High school students at Columbus High School in [[Columbus, Georgia]], reconditioned the robot and created a usage manual for future students to continue to benefit from Urbie's list of talents. Urbie is built around a light, machined aluminum chassis. The exterior consists of flat aluminum plates, bent at the front and back, which are attached to the chassis with small hex screws. 2 dc motors power the forward rotating arms, while 2 slightly larger dc motors power the body length treads. From the outside, Urbie is an exact replica of the PackBot Scout. The front compartment holds 2 banks of LEDs, one white light, the other infrared. The center-front compartment holds a video camera and an infrared camera. Both cameras' images are transmitted back to a handheld LCD screen and remote control console via a single antenna. The image that is transmitted back is controlled by a mechanical switch, thrown remotely inside the chassis by a remote controlled actuator. The motors are controlled the same way that a remote control airplane or car is. The ability to reverse the tread direction on both sides gives the robot a 0m turn radius. In 2006, the exterior body was refinished, the antennas were repaired (replaced by a fishing pole) and some of the interior electronics were updated. The robot is simply constructed, with basic electronic controls, and is the same physical design as the current PackBots, it only lacks the digital processor.
* ''SWARM'' is an [[Swarm intelligence|artificial intelligence]] research project designed to develop algorithms for swarms of hundreds of individual robots. This project is sponsored by [[DARPA]].

===PackBot===
{{Main|PackBot}}
* ''PackBot'' is a series of [[military robot]]s designed for situational awareness, reconnaissance, explosive ordnance disposal and other missions. As of 2009, the US military had more than 2000 PackBots that were on station in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web | year=2009 | url=http://www.roboticstrends.com/service_robotics/article/irobot_delivers_2000th_packbot_robot/T | title=iRobot Delivers 2,000th PackBot Robot | access-date=February 7, 2009 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226222212/http://www.roboticstrends.com/service_robotics/article/irobot_delivers_2000th_packbot_robot/T | archive-date=February 26, 2009 }}</ref>

===SUGV===
{{Main|Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle}}
* iRobot's platform for the United States Army's [[Future Combat Systems]].

===Warrior===
{{main|iRobot Warrior}}
* ''Warrior'', currently in development (expected deployment in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2006/mft06102701.htm?source=eptyholnk303100&logvisit=y&npu=y|archive-url=https://archive.today/20061201121319/http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2006/mft06102701.htm?source=eptyholnk303100&logvisit=y&npu=y|url-status=dead|archive-date=1 December 2006|title=Attack of the iRobot|author=Rick Aristotle Munarriz|date=27 October 2006|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>){{Update inline|date=October 2024}}, is a {{convert|250|lb|abbr=on}} machine that can travel up to {{convert|12|mph}}  through rough terrain and up and down stairs while carrying payloads weighing over {{convert|100|lbs}}. Its potential uses include [[bomb disposal]], battlefield casualty extraction and [[firefighting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/robots/irobot-warrior-if-your-house-is-really-really-dirty-205970.php|title=iRobot Warrior: If Your House is Really, Really Dirty|author=Mark Wilson|publisher=Gawker Media|work=Gizmodo|date=7 October 2006 |access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>

===R-Gator===
{{main|iRobot R-Gator}}
* ''[[R-Gator]]'', a product of a partnership with [[Deere & Company|John Deere Corporation]], is a small utility vehicle with a robotics package added. It is capable of autonomous operation including waypoint following with obstacle avoidance, following dismounted infantry and other vehicles and semi-autonomous operation such as teleoperation with obstacle avoidance. Vehicles are currently in production.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deere.com/en_US/contractsales/fedmilitarysales/media/pdf/R-Gator_Brochure.pdf|title=Government & Military - Federal & Military Sales - John Deere US|access-date=25 May 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927135009/http://www.deere.com/en_US/contractsales/fedmilitarysales/media/pdf/R-Gator_Brochure.pdf|archive-date=27 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gizmag.com/go/3382/|title=R-Gator unmanned military ground vehicle unveiled|date=29 October 2004|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref>

===Negotiator===
{{main|iRobot Negotiator}}
* ''Negotiator'' is a man-portable civil-response surveillance and reconnaissance robot.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=138 |title=IRobot Corporation: Negotiator |access-date=2009-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218230209/http://irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=138 |archive-date=2009-02-18 }}</ref>

===Transphibian===
{{main|iRobot Transphibian}}
* ''Transphibian'' is a man-portable [[UUV]] and bottom crawler that autonomously inserts itself into the water and operates in a shallow area. It is designed for mine detection, harbor defense and surveillance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid%3D428 |title=IRobot Corporation: Transphibian |access-date=2009-03-11 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317045420/http://irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=428 |archive-date=2009-03-17 }}</ref>

===Chembot===
* ''Chembot'' is a [[DARPA]]-funded prototype of a shape-shifting robot without motors, wheels or any rigid  elements. It runs on chemical power and is made using [[dielectric elastomers]], which are extremely flexible and can alter their shape in electric or magnetic fields. Ultimately, the program aims to build a robot that is completely squishy and able to squeeze through a hole 'the size of a 10 pence coin'.<ref name="technology.timesonline.co.uk">{{cite news| url=http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article6389337.ece | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016034834/http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article6389337.ece | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 16, 2009 | work=The Times | location=London | title=iRobot where the Terminator is coming to life | first=Mark | last=Harris | date=2009-05-31 | access-date=2010-05-05}}</ref>

===Ember===
* ''Ember'' is a prototype miniature, tracked robot, weighing around 1&nbsp;lb and costing so little to make that it is intended to be virtually disposable. ''Ember'' moves at walking pace, can right itself when it is turned over and is controlled by a simple touchscreen application on an Apple iPhone. ''Ember'' is a military robot designed to boost radio communications and capture video footage to aid infantry warfighters.<ref name="technology.timesonline.co.uk"/>

===AIRarm===
AIRarm is an inflatable arm robot developed by iRobot. The inflatable arm uses pumps to inflate the arm. Since the arm uses strings and actuators, no motors were used at the joints.<ref name=ieee-airarm>{{cite web|last=Ackerman|first=Evan|title=iRobot Developing Inflatable Robot Arms, Inflatable Robots|date=22 August 2012|url=https://spectrum.ieee.org/irobot-developing-inflatable-robot-arms-inflatable-robots|publisher=IEEE Spectrum Automaton|access-date=24 August 2012}}</ref>

===FirstLook===
FirstLook is a small reconnaissance robot weighing {{convert|5.2|lb|kg|abbr=on}} with a top speed of {{convert|3.8|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} and line-of-sight control range of {{convert|200|m|yd|0|abbr=on}}.  It has visible and thermal cameras and infrared sensors to gather and transmit images of buildings, caves, or other locations.  It can participate in explosive ordnance disposal by carrying {{convert|2.5|lb|kg|abbr=on}} of C4 explosive to an IED.  The robot has the ability to mesh together a network of feeds from other robots to extend the range of its sensors.  The FirstLook has CBRN detectors and is semi-autonomous, meaning it can perform tasks like course correction and flipping itself over without direct intervention.  100 were bought by [[JIEDDO]] in March 2012 and the Pentagon has ordered hundreds more.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://archive.today/20140104163128/http://defensetech.org/2014/01/03/pentagon-orders-hundreds-more-firstlook-robots/ Pentagon Orders Hundreds more FirstLook Robots]}} - Defensetech.org, 3 January 2014</ref>

==Medical robots==

===RP-VITA===
* RP-VITA, or Remote Presence Virtual + Independent Telemedicine Assistant, is a medical robot jointly produced with InTouch Health. The robot will be cloud-connected and have access to a patient's medical record, and will also be able to plug in diagnostic devices such as stethoscopes, otoscopes, and ultrasound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.discovery.com/tech/telemedicine-robot-120725.html#mkcpgn=rssnws1|title=Robot Doctor Will Now See You|work=Discovery News|first=Nic|last=Halverson|access-date=2012-07-25|archive-date=2012-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022233418/http://news.discovery.com/tech/telemedicine-robot-120725.html#mkcpgn=rssnws1|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Research and dual-role robots==

===Ranger===
{{main|iRobot Ranger}}
* ''Ranger'' is a man-portable [[UUV]] that supports technology development related to mine warfare, expeditionary warfare, homeland defense, underwater surveillance / reconnaissance and other missions. Ranger is also suitable for ocean research and commercial applications related to search and survey.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=427 |title=IRobot Corporation: Ranger |access-date=2009-03-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317045416/http://irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=427 |archive-date=2009-03-17 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===Seaglider===
{{main|Seaglider}}
* ''Seaglider'' is a long-range dual-role [[autonomous underwater vehicle]], which was produced by iRobot from 2008–2013 under an exclusive manufacturing agreement from the [[University of Washington]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612132840.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080629001736/http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080612132840.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 June 2008|title=IRobot Secures Licensing Agreement For Underwater Seagliders|date=29 June 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irobot.com/gi/maritime/1KA_Seaglider|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521065025/http://www.irobot.com/gi/maritime/1KA_Seaglider|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 May 2010|title=iRobot Maritime Robots - 1KA Seaglider|date=21 May 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=86&id=570|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606235126/http://www.irobot.com/sp.cfm?pageid=86&id=570|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 June 2011|title=iRobot Corporation: Press Release|date=6 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ocean.washington.edu/story/Seaglider_Licensed_to_Kongsberg |title=Seaglider Licensed to Kongsberg |website=www.ocean.washington.edu |date=22 May 2013 |access-date=2021-10-29}}</ref> Capable of operating for months over thousands of kilometers on a single battery charge, networked Seagliders provide scientists and naval intelligence with cost-effective real-time access to oceanographic measurements.<ref>{{cite journal|url=http://features.csmonitor.com/innovation/2008/06/19/no-one-lives-in-this-submarine/|title=No one lives in this submarine|author=The Christian Science Monitor|journal=The Christian Science Monitor|date=19 June 2008|access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/06/11/irobot-to-convert-uws-seaglider-into-military-drones/|title=iRobot to convert UW's academic Seaglider into military drone|author=Thomas Ricker|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget|date=11 June 2008 |access-date=25 May 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailyuw.com/news/2008/mar/11/from-the-deep-uw-seaglider-draws-us-military/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120712183424/http://dailyuw.com/news/2008/mar/11/from-the-deep-uw-seaglider-draws-us-military/|url-status=dead|title=From the deep: UW Seaglider draws U.S. military attention - The Daily|date=12 July 2012|archive-date=12 July 2012}}</ref> The Seaglider is also used in military applications where it is more usually designated as an [[unmanned underwater vehicle]].

== Criticism ==

=== Training data on Facebook ===
When training data for the Roomba J7 vacuum robot ended up on Facebook, like a test person sitting on a toilet, testers were assuming that they did not expect to give up their privacy and such data leakage, while iRobot took the standpoint that such persons are paid and expect their data to be shared. iRobot sent 2 million images to Scale AI, an image annotation service provider, and mentioned it terminated its business relation with Scale AI.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook? |url=https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/19/1065306/roomba-irobot-robot-vacuums-artificial-intelligence-training-data-privacy/ |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=MIT Technology Review |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Guo |first=Eileen |title=Roomba: Wie private Fotos eines Staubsauger-Roboters auf Facebook landen können |url=https://www.heise.de/hintergrund/Roomba-Wie-private-Fotos-eines-Staubsauger-Roboters-auf-Facebook-landen-koennen-7457283.html |access-date=2023-05-03 |website=heise online |date=16 January 2023 |language=de}}</ref>

=== Unregulated use of reserved frequency ===
iRobot has been criticized for attempting unregulated use of 6240-6740&nbsp;MHz band, and asking for an FCC exemption to do so. This band is for use for the lawn mowing robot without needing to use an electronic fence as a boundary marker, instead by using radio beacons. The band falls into a band reserved for [[radio astronomy]] use, thus interfering with radio telescope observations of [[methanol]]'s 6.66852&nbsp;GHz emissions.<ref>{{cite news |author=Brooks Hays |date=17 April 2015 |title=Why astronomers hate the lawn-mowing Roomba |publisher=Space Daily |url=http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Why_astronomers_hate_the_lawn-mowing_Roomba_999.html}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Artificial Intelligence]]
* [[Autonomous research robot]]
* [[Domestic robot]]
* [[Home automation]]
* [[Neato Robotics]]
* [[Ecovacs Robotics]]
* [[Scooba (brand)|Scooba]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.irobot.com}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20091016034834/http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article6389337.ece Visit to iRobot and interview with Joe Dyer.] [[The Sunday Times]] 31 May 2009, Mark Harris
* [https://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/16/technology/16robots.html?pagewanted=1 New York Times article about military robots including iRobot's packbot]
* [https://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2005/10/04/robotic_vacuum_maker_bu_team_up_on_antisniper_device/ iRobot on antisniper device]
* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/irobot-310-sugv-us/ iRobot 310 SUGV]
* {{Finance links
| name = iRobot Corporation
| symbol = IRBT
| sec_cik = 1159167
| yahoo = IRBT
| google = IRBT:NASDAQ
| reuters = IRBT.O
| bloomberg = IRBT:US
}}

{{IRobot}}
{{Authority control}}

{{Robotics}}

[[Category:IRobot| ]]
[[Category:Robotics companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Electronics companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:American companies established in 1990]]
[[Category:Defense companies of the United States]]
[[Category:Manufacturing companies based in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Technology companies based in the Boston area]]
[[Category:Companies based in Bedford, Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Vacuum cleaner manufacturers]]
[[Category:Companies listed on the Nasdaq]]
[[Category:2005 initial public offerings]]
[[Category:Home appliance manufacturers of the United States]]