Recently, Amazon bought iRobot, the company that developed the robotic vacuum cleaner Roomba. (Image Credit: Onur Binay/Unsplash)
Today, Amazon announced plans to purchase iRobot, the company behind the famed Roomba bot, for approximately $1.7 billion, which also includes debt. The pending deal could ultimately lead to Amazon expanding its robotic product offerings and making them more popular with consumers. In 2021, Amazon unveiled Astro, a home dog-like robot that moves around the home, traveling from room to room to stream live video while learning the owner’s habits.
“We know that saving time matters, and chores take precious time that can be better spent doing something that customers love,” said Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices. “Over many years, the iRobot team has proven its ability to reinvent how people clean with products that are incredibly practical and inventive—from cleaning when and where customers want while avoiding common obstacles in the home to automatically emptying the collection bin. Customers love iRobot products—and I’m excited to work with the iRobot team to invent in ways that make customers’ lives easier and more enjoyable.”
After its first Roomba 2002 launch, iRobot continued developing various robotic vacuums, mops, and air purifiers that will also be sold by Amazon. This latest purchase by Amazon represents a foray into the market of home automation. Amazon expects to incorporate Roomba-like products into its Alexa and Prime ecosystems. That way, owners can monitor and control different tasks in one central point.
“Since we started iRobot, our team has been on a mission to create innovative, practical products that make customers’ lives easier, leading to inventions like the Roomba and iRobot OS,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “Amazon shares our passion for building thoughtful innovations that empower people to do more at home, and I cannot think of a better place for our team to continue our mission. I’m hugely excited to be a part of Amazon and to see what we can build together for customers in the years ahead.”
I really hope Amazon revives the Roomba lawn mower!
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