50 Facts About IRobot

Founding and Early Innovations

iRobot has been a pioneer in consumer robotics since its inception. Let's explore the early days and groundbreaking innovations that set the stage for its success.

1. iRobot was founded in 1990 by Rodney Brooks, Colin Angle, and Helen Greiner. They aimed to develop robots for space exploration and military defense.

2. Genghis, the first robot, was introduced in 1991. This test platform for researchers is now housed at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

3. Military robots like PackBot were developed in the early 1990s. PackBot was used in Iraq and Afghanistan for bomb disposal and other dangerous tasks.

4. Ariel, a mine removal system, was introduced in 1996. This crab-like robot could remove mines both in and out of water, playing a crucial role in military operations.

5. Urbie, the urban robot, was field-tested at Fort Benning, Georgia. It featured tank-like tracks that allowed it to climb stairs, showcasing its versatility.

Entering the Consumer Market

iRobot's transition to consumer robotics brought innovative products that transformed household chores.

6. Roomba, the autonomous vacuum, was unveiled in September 2002. It quickly gained popularity, selling over a million units by 2004.

7. Scooba, the mop robot, was introduced in 2005. Designed to complement the Roomba, it initially saw limited release but expanded in the following years.

8. Dirt Dog, the shop vac, was launched in 2006. This robotic shop vac cleaned up debris from garage and workshop floors, though it was discontinued in 2010.

9. Looj and Verro, gutter and pool cleaning robots, were introduced in 2007. Looj was user-operated by remote control, while Verro was autonomous.

10. iRobot Create, a platform for hobbyists, was introduced in 2007. It allowed users to experiment with various robotic components and projects.

Expanding the Product Line

iRobot continued to innovate, expanding its product line to meet diverse consumer needs.

11. Roomba Pet Series launched in 2008. These models were designed to navigate around pet waste and other obstacles, becoming popular for handling household messes.

12. Neato and Mint robot vacuums arrived in 2010. Neato boasted more power, while Mint focused on dry cleaning, providing serious competition to Roomba.

13. iRobot acquired Evolution Robotics in 2012 for $74 million. This acquisition expanded iRobot's product portfolio and market share.

14. Braava, the floor mopping robot, was introduced after acquiring Evolution Robotics. It uses disposable or microfiber cleaning cloths for damp and dry cleaning.

15. Roomba 980, a camera-equipped model, was released in 2015. It featured VSlam technology for room mapping and Carpet Boost for increased suction on carpets.

Technological Advancements

iRobot's commitment to technological advancements has kept it at the forefront of the robotics industry.

16. iRobot OS, announced in May 2022, transitioned from iRobot Genius. This new operating system enhances voice commands and object identification.

17. Roomba Combo, combining mopping and vacuuming, was released in October 2022. It differentiates between hardwood floors and carpets, lifting its mop on carpets.

18. Aeris Cleantec AG acquisition in November 2021 expanded iRobot's product line into air quality solutions. iRobot began selling Aeris-designed air purifiers in 2022.

19. Sale of military robotics business to Arlington Capital Partners in February 2016 allowed iRobot to focus more on the consumer market.

20. Over 30 million home robots sold worldwide by 2020. This milestone underscores iRobot's success in making robotics a part of everyday life.

Impact on Various Sectors

iRobot's innovations have impacted multiple sectors, from military operations to disaster response and telemedicine.

21. Deployment of over 5,000 defense and security robots highlights iRobot's role in both consumer and military robotics.

22. Robotics industry impact is significant, with iRobot setting the standard for consumer robotics.

23. Space exploration robotics influenced iRobot's approach to designing robots that navigate complex environments.

24. Military robots like PackBot have played crucial roles in reducing human injury by performing dangerous tasks.

25. Disaster response efforts have benefited from iRobot's robots, such as the Seaglider detecting oil pools after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Diverse Applications

iRobot's technology has found applications in various fields, showcasing its versatility and potential.

26. Telemedicine robot RP-VITA, debuted in 2012, enhances remote healthcare services, demonstrating iRobot's adaptability.

27. Consumer market focus led to innovative products like Roomba and Braava, making household chores easier and more efficient.

28. Robotics industry growth is evident, with robots emerging as essential tools in various sectors.

29. Educational programs have integrated robotics, such as students reconditioning Urbie and creating a usage manual.

30. Art projects have used early-generation Roombas for light painting, showcasing the creative potential of robotics.

Future Prospects

iRobot's continued innovation ensures its leadership in the robotics industry, with potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and more.

31. Healthcare applications include telemedicine robots like RP-VITA, improving patient care and reducing the need for physical presence in hospitals.

32. Environmental monitoring tasks, such as detecting oil pools, highlight the versatility of iRobot's underwater Seaglider.

33. Industrial automation was an early focus for iRobot's founders, laying the groundwork for later innovations in home robots.

34. Space exploration projects, like Mark Rosheim's robotic knight prototype, demonstrate how historical designs influence modern robotics.

35. Military defense robots like PackBot have reduced human injury by performing dangerous tasks.

36. Disaster response efforts have benefited from iRobot's robots, such as the Seaglider detecting oil pools after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

37. Telemedicine collaboration with InTouch Health in 2012 led to the debut of RP-VITA, enhancing remote healthcare services.

38. Consumer market innovations like Roomba and Braava have made household chores easier and more efficient.

39. Robotics industry growth is evident, with robots emerging as essential tools in various sectors.

40. Educational programs have integrated robotics, such as students reconditioning Urbie and creating a usage manual.

41. Art projects have used early-generation Roombas for light painting, showcasing the creative potential of robotics.

42. Healthcare applications include telemedicine robots like RP-VITA, improving patient care and reducing the need for physical presence in hospitals.

43. Environmental monitoring tasks, such as detecting oil pools, highlight the versatility of iRobot's underwater Seaglider.

44. Industrial automation was an early focus for iRobot's founders, laying the groundwork for later innovations in home robots.

45. Space exploration projects, like Mark Rosheim's robotic knight prototype, demonstrate how historical designs influence modern robotics.

46. Military defense robots like PackBot have reduced human injury by performing dangerous tasks.

47. Disaster response efforts have benefited from iRobot's robots, such as the Seaglider detecting oil pools after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

48. Telemedicine collaboration with InTouch Health in 2012 led to the debut of RP-VITA, enhancing remote healthcare services.

49. Consumer market innovations like Roomba and Braava have made household chores easier and more efficient.

50. Robotics industry growth is evident, with robots emerging as essential tools in various sectors.

iRobot's Impact and Future

iRobot has been a game-changer in consumer robotics for over three decades. From its early military robots like PackBot to household names like Roomba and Braava, the company has consistently innovated. Their products have made everyday chores easier, turning once tedious tasks into automated routines. Acquisitions like Evolution Robotics and Aeris Cleantec AG have expanded their reach into floor mopping and air purification. The introduction of iRobot OS and the Roomba Combo shows their commitment to smarter, more efficient home solutions. With over 30 million home robots sold, iRobot's influence is undeniable. Their technology has also found applications in disaster response, telemedicine, and environmental monitoring. As they continue to innovate, iRobot is set to remain a leader in making robotics an integral part of daily life.