The iRobot Corporation was founded by three Massachusetts of Technology graduates; Colin Angle, Rodney Brooks, and Helen Grenier, in 1990, with the original purpose of designing robots for space exploration and military defense. Throughout their 28 year history, iRobot has created some of the most transformative and important technologies, ranging from robots that have been used at the Fukushima nuclear disaster site, to the 9-11 attacks aftermath being used for retrieval, to detecting underwater pools of oil after the Deepwater Horizon spill. The iRobot Corporation’s history in disaster relief and government use is important to know, because it helps to show the importance of the socio-technical relationship. By looking at how people were once used in the dangerous conditions that robots can now navigate and retrieve information on is integral to learning about what makes the Roomba so unique. Read on to learn more about iRobot’s various milestones.
Company Milestones
2017
- iRobot launches Roomba 690 and 890, extending Wi-Fi connectivity to entire Roomba line.
- iRobot acquires Sales on Demand Corporation (SODC), launching four new iRobot offices in Japan.
2016
- iRobot expands global footprint to China with opening of new Shanghai office.
- iRobot launches the Braava jet mopping robot, ideal for mopping kitchens, bathrooms, and other small areas.
2015
- iRobot launches the Roomba 980 vacuuming robot, combining intelligent visual navigation, cloud connected app control and increased cleaning power on carpets.
2014
- iRobot launches the Scooba® 450 floor scrubbing robot.
2013
- iRobot launches Roomba® 800 Series, with revolutionary AeroForce®Performance Cleaning System.
- iRobot launches the Ava™ 500 video collaboration robot.
- iRobot launches the Mirra™ 530 pool cleaning robot.
- More than 10 million home robots sold worldwide.
2012
- iRobot acquires Evolution Robotics.
- More than 5,000 defense & security robots delivered worldwide.
2011
- iRobot develops 110 FirstLook®, a small, light, throwable UGV.
- iRobot launches the Scooba® 230 floor washing robot.
- iRobot launches Roomba® 700 series vacuuming robots.
2010
- iRobot celebrates 20 years of making a difference.
- iRobot co-sponsors National Robotics Week.
- iRobot helps monitor Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
2009
- iRobot launches SPARK education initiative.
2008
- iRobot expands into maritime robots.
- iRobot launches the Roomba® pet series and professional series vacuum cleaning robots.
- iRobot wins contract to develop LANdroid communication robot.
2007
- iRobot launches the Create® programmable mobile robot.
- iRobot launches the Verro® pool cleaning robot.
- iRobot launches the Looj® gutter cleaning robot.
2006
- iRobot launches the Dirt Dog® shop sweeping robot.
2005
- iRobot launches the Scooba® floor washing robot.
- iRobot stock begins trading on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange.
2004
- iRobot wins contract to develop Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV).
2002
- iRobot launches the Roomba® floor vacuuming robot.
- The iRobot PackBot® is deployed with U.S. troops for the first time.
- iRobot and the National Geographic Society develop a robot that searches the Great Pyramid in Egypt.
2001
- The iRobot PackBot® searches at the World Trade Center after the September 11 terrorist attacks.
1998
- iRobot wins DARPA contract to build a tactical mobile robot, leading to development of iRobot PackBot®.
1996
- iRobot develops Ariel™, a robot that detects and eliminates mines in surf zones.
1991
- iRobot develops Genghis™, a robot designed for space exploration.
1990
- MIT roboticists Colin Angle, Helen Greiner and Rodney Brooks co-found iRobot.
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