After 35 years in the business, the company behind the iconic Roomba vacuum has sought bankruptcy protection as of late Sunday evening. Having cautioned earlier this year about dwindling alternatives, iRobot disclosed its decision to enter Chapter 11 proceedings and revealed plans for acquisition by its manufacturing partner, the China-based Picea Robotics.

The firm assures that operations will persist without interruptions affecting app functionalities, customer services, international partnerships, supply chains, or ongoing product support. This reassures Roomba users that their devices will continue to maintain their cleaning routines uninterrupted.

Operating out of Massachusetts, iRobot has faced mounting challenges for years due to the intensifying competition from Chinese manufacturers. As one of the pioneers in domestic robotics, the company was established in 1990 and introduced the first Roomba vacuum in 2002.

Despite being a household name in robotic vacuums for over 20 years, iRobot’s dominance has dwindled as rivals like Ecovacs and Roborock have chipped away at its market share. A potential lifeline appeared in 2022 when Amazon attempted to acquire iRobot, but regulatory challenges halted the transaction.

In response, iRobot has revamped its product lineup and adjusted pricing to stay competitive, while collaborating with Picea Robotics on new Roomba models. However, revenue has continued to decline. According to Reuters, U.S. tariffs, including a steep 46 percent on products made in Vietnam for the U.S. market, have significantly impacted the company.

“This announcement is a crucial step towards ensuring iRobot’s enduring success,” stated Gary Cohen, the CEO of iRobot. “The deal will bolster our financial standing and help provide stability for our consumers, clients, and partners.”