Colin Angle, co-founder of iRobot, launched Roomba in 2002 after 12 years of development, selling over 50 million units. Users anthropomorphized their devices, creating emotional ties that fueled success.
However, iRobot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in December 2025, leading to its acquisition by Shenzhen Picea Robotics in January 2026. Angle, who left his CEO position prior, is now leading Familiar Machines & Magic, which focuses on context-aware AI robots.
He emphasizes that modern consumers seek robots that feel integral to their homes, a sentiment that has reshaped the competitive landscape with new entrants like Roborock and Ecovacs offering advanced features. iRobot must innovate to stay relevant in this evolving market.