Comment The next generation of home robots will be more capable – and perhaps more social Founded in 1990 by roboticists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iRobot offers a line of automated vacuums and mops, as well as air purifiers and handheld vacuums. The featured Roomba, which retails for up to $1,000, learns the contours and corners of floors and can detect objects, offering Wi-Fi and smartphone connectivity, and can be summoned by voice-activated smart home devices. The company began trading on the Nasdaq in 2005. Although a leading name in home robotics, iRobot has had a rough year. On Friday, it reported second-quarter revenue of $255.4 million, down 30% from the year-ago period. It reported a net loss of $43.4 million for the quarter ended July 2. The company also plans to shift some non-core engineering roles to lower-cost areas as part of a cost-cutting plan and lay off 10 percent of its workforce, about 140 employees, according to the earnings report. The company withdrew the 2022 financial forecast it issued in May and, citing “continued disruptions and uncertainty that could affect the company’s outlook,” suspended any further guidance on future performance. The development of this technology highlights consumers’ growing tolerance for sensors and cameras trained in their daily routines. This development has drawn criticism from privacy advocates and worries consumers. It also highlights how tech giants see the home as yet another platform for a range of services and a goldmine of personal data.
