Vacuum robot maker IRobot filed for bankruptcy and will be acquired by Chinese supplier Picea Robotics, ending its independent operations. Roomba users fear “bricking” — the risk that their smart vacuums will stop working without software updates after the Chinese acquisition takes effect.

The original Roomba was the first robot vacuum in the US, and the second ever made, following Electrolux’s Trilobite the year prior. A basic bump-and-roll bot with bump and cliff sensors, the Roomba rolled randomly around your home, sucking up dirt, bumping from wall to wall, and generally trying not to fall down stairs.

Named chief executive officer of iRobot back in May 2024, Gary Cohen has a 25 year history of leading successful turnarounds – good news for the robot vac company! Previous roles were at Qualitor Automotive, Timex, Energizer and Gillette. In this interview he talks to us about making iRobot swim, his love of tech and being a Boston boy.

November 2025 started with the Robotics Startup Radar and continued with news from important players in the robotics industry.