iRobot, a global leader in consumer robotics, began as a student venture in 1990 and has since grown into an innovative empire, selling over 50 million robots by 2024. Known for its cutting-edge smart home devices, iRobot generates approximately US$700 million in annual revenue, powered by patented and trademark-protected technologies like the iconic Roomba robot vacuum. While the company once pioneered defense and security technologies, making headlines with its innovations up until 2016, it now focuses on maintaining its position as a world leader at advancing home robotics.
The inspiration behind iRobot
As a student of computer science and mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States, Helen Greiner used to enthuse to her parents about the role of robots in space exploration. Her work at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory fueled her passion. But her mother, pushing a vacuum cleaner round the house, was underwhelmed. “That’s great, honey,” she sighed, “but what I really want is a robot that can clean these hard-to-reach places”.
iRobot Corporation: making practical robots a reality
Helen’s interest in robots continued with the vision of making practical robots a reality. In 1990, she and two fellow MIT roboticists Rodney Brooks and Colin Angle co-founded iRobot® Corporation (iRobot).
The following year, the company introduced its first robot, “Genghis”, which was designed as a test platform for researchers. Modeled on the limb-based movement of insects, Genghis was a groundbreaking feat of the time which encouraged future developments in robotics. Building on this proprietary technology, several first-generation robots were gradually developed.
PackBot, a bomb-disposal robot
A major technological advancement was made in 1998 when iRobot developed the “PackBot®”, a reconnaissance and bomb disposal robot born out of an initial research initiative with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) of the United States. A series of PackBots have been developed with new generation technology. The PackBot made headlines when it was summoned from the laboratory to search through rubble in the September 11 rescue efforts at the World Trade Center in 2001, and later again in 2011, when PackBot robots were brought in for the Fukushima nuclear plant operation.
In 2016, a newly founded company Endeavor Robotics took over the PackBot technology. Tree years later, in 2019, the company was acquired by FLIR Systems, which creates technologies for government and defense, industrial, and commercial markets.
A robot for every purpose by iRobot
Over the years, iRobot rapidly expanded to produce both consumer products and robotics for government and industrial applications.
The MicroRig, for example, is designed to carry out tasks deep inside oil wells. In 2002 another iRobot robot conducted a televised search of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, in cooperation with the National Geographic Society. In 2007, the company introduced Verro®, swimming-pool cleaning robot. Among many of the military-purpose robots, the PackBot and its successor, the small unmanned ground vehicle (SUGV) were widely used by the United States army. In 2002, Helen’s mother, and over 3 million other families, received their vacuum cleaning robots Roomba®.
“The great thing about robotics,” said Helen Greiner in early 2000s, “is that the field is still in its infancy. It’s totally creative.” In an interview with PBS’ Ask the Scientist, she evokes her favorite ideas, such as agri-bots, that would “live” in farmers’ fields, constantly searching for and removing weeds and pests, thus eliminating the need for toxic pesticides and herbicides. As science fiction becomes science fact, “I am living my own dream,” she says.
Home innovation: iRobot focuses on home segment
In 2016, iRobot announced the sale of its defense and security business segment to Arlington Capital Partners for up to $45 million. The decision allowed iRobot to “solidify its position as the leader in Home Robots and focus on technologies for the connected home”.
From this moment on, iRobot Corporation became “a global consumer robot company that designs and builds thoughtful robots and intelligent home innovations that make life better”.
As of 2024, iRobot offers a range of connected home products, including the fampus Roomba Robot Vacuums, Braava Robot Mops, and Aeris Air Purifiers. The company also integrates advanced technologies like iRobot OS and Genius™ Home Intelligence to enhance user experience. iRobot OS focuses on delivering thoughtful and adaptive cleaning experiences by using smart mapping, voice integration, and advanced object recognition. Meanwhile, Genius Home Intelligence enables personalized cleaning schedules and preferences, making its robots smarter and more intuitive over time.
Patents of iRobot Corporation
All new technology developed at iRobot Corporation is protected with patents; the company registers its inventions with the patent system of one or several countries, and is granted an exclusive right to commercialize the invention in these countries.
iRobot’s business is based on its proprietary technology, and the protection of intellectual property (IP) plays a critical part in it.
As of 2024, the company is applicant to 1657 published patents around the world, with 27 published applications submitted only during the current year. Most of the patents are owned by iRobot itself, while a few are co-owned with other companies.
The company is an active user of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system through which it files patent applications internationally. As of 2024, iRobot is applicant to 225 published international applications filed via the PCT system, 14 of them submitted during 2024.
Protecting iRobot’s IP: infringement cases
iRobot has actively defended its intellectual property in numerous patent infringement cases. Over the years, the company has taken legal action to safeguard its technological advancements, particularly in navigation, mapping, and automated cleaning features.
One notable series of cases involved SharkNinja Operating LLC. In 2019, iRobot sought a preliminary injunction to halt the sale of Shark IQ Robot™ products, accusing SharkNinja of infringing on patents related to features such as room-specific cleaning and auto-empty technology. The conflict escalated with additional filings in 2021 at the International Trade Commission (ITC), where iRobot alleged that various SharkNinja robotic vacuums violated core Roomba® patents, including mapping and docking technologies. A 2022 ITC ruling found SharkNinja in violation, recommending an exclusion order to bar infringing products from the U.S. market.
Other disputes include earlier complaints against competitors such as Bissell, Hoover, and Black+Decker, leading to ITC investigations. iRobot has also achieved significant settlements, including a 2017 resolution with Micro-Star International that reinforced its position in protecting its proprietary designs. Glen Weinstein, executive vice president and chief legal officer of iRobot, said in 2018, after iRobot won yet another case at the ITC: "Blatant acts of infringement <…> will not be tolerated by iRobot. Today's final determination once again confirms the strength and validity of iRobot's intellectual property”.
Thanks to meticulously protecting its IP, iRobot managed to preserve the innovative edge of its products and to support the engineers behind its extensive patent portfolio. iRobot’s IP strategy defends the company's market position and its technological leadership in the robotics industry.
Trademarks of iRobot Corporation
Beyond patents, iRobot protects its intellectual property through trademark registrations for all aspects of its brand, including the company name, logo, and product names. Trademark protection ensures that no other company can legally use names like Roomba in countries where iRobot holds trademarks. This not only protects the company's marketing investments from benefiting infringers but also assures consumers that they are purchasing genuine products with guaranteed quality.
As of 2024, iRobot has filed around 400 trademark applications, with almost 300 active trademarks all over the world and 35 pending applications. The countries in which iRobot holds active trademarks include, by number of trademarks, the US, the UK, all the countries of the European Union, Brazil, Mexico, Canada, Australia, India, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and many more.
For example, in the Philippines, iRobot applied for protection of its brand name, its original logo and its shortened logo, as well as the brand names of its robots Roomba and Braava.
iRobot's collaborative innovations
iRobot has teamed up with major players to make smart homes even smarter. In 2018, it partnered with Google to integrate voice commands and room mapping, making it easier to control Roombas through Google Assistant. Later, collaborations with IFTTT and Amazon Alexa added more customization and intuitive controls.
In 2021, iRobot joined forces with Bona, combining robotic mopping with specialized floor care solutions to improve cleaning for hard floors. These partnerships show how iRobot works with others to enhance its technology and simplify home automation.
iRobot's STEM Commitment
iRobot’s first educational product – the Root® coding robot – appeared in 2019 with the acquisition of Root Robotics. This robot was designed to teach programming through engaging, interactive tasks, catering to learners at different skill levels. However, iRobot’s focus on STEM education began long before; already in 2010, the company started organizing National Robotics Week, aiming to inspire young people to explore robotics and STEM fields.
The company further expanded its educational initiatives with the introduction of the Create® 3 platform in 2022. This robot, designed for more advanced users, allows students and educators to experiment with robotics programming. In addition, iRobot has worked to bridge the technology gap by donating robots and STEM resources to underserved communities, ensuring more students have access to these innovative tools.
Through these efforts, iRobot is helping cultivate a passion for robotics and engineering, ensuring that the next generation of innovators is well-equipped to succeed in a technology-driven world.
iRobot Corporation’s business results
Since its establishment in 1990, the company has continued to grow, making it a pioneer in the robotic industry. Over the years, it has sold over 50 million robots worldwide and secured its leadership by protecting its innovations with IP tools.
By 2024, iRobot employed over 700 professionals and generated close to US$700 million in revenues.
