In 2017, iRobot's Roomba dominated the robotic vacuum market, but cheaper Chinese competitors with more features began eroding its lead. CEO Colin Angle responded with lawsuits and a premium pricing strategy, but the competition kept finding ways around those defenses. A pandemic-fueled sales boom temporarily buoyed the company, only for its finances to crumble as that boom faded. The episode explores whether a lifeline from Amazon can rescue the pioneer of home robots from being overtaken by its rivals.
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Highlights
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Roomba's market dominance faces erosion from low-cost Chinese competitors
iRobot's Roomba ruled the robotic vacuum market in 2017, but cheaper Chinese competitors began offering more features for less money, eating away at its market share.