The robot vacuum industry is undergoing a significant shift following the acquisition of iRobot by Shenzhen-based Picea Robotics. Under the new ownership structure, iRobot will remain the primary consumer brand, while Picea’s own robot vacuum label, 3i, is being discontinued.
The move consolidates development, manufacturing, and marketing resources behind the globally recognized Roomba brand.
Why Picea Robotics Is Shutting Down the 3i Robot Vacuum Line
Picea Robotics has historically operated as a major robotics manufacturer and supplier for multiple global brands. In recent years, it entered the consumer market with its own robot vacuum brand, 3i, which debuted advanced concepts such as atmospheric water extraction and internal water recycling systems. Vacuum Wars has reviewed both the 3i P10 Ultra and the 3i S10 Ultra robot vacuums, offering detailed evaluation data and performance analysis on each model.
According to reporting by Galaxus, which cited responses from company representatives, no new 3i models are planned, and future development efforts will instead be directed toward strengthening iRobot’s product roadmap. The publication reports that the move reflects a strategic consolidation under Picea’s ownership rather than maintaining parallel consumer brands.
iRobot’s Financial Restructuring and Ownership Transition
iRobot filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in late 2025 after facing sustained margin pressure and increased competition in the global robot vacuum market. The restructuring process paved the way for acquisition by Picea Robotics.
The company has indicated that day-to-day operations will continue during the transition. Customer service, firmware updates, and product shipments are expected to remain unaffected.
iRobot will also maintain its U.S. headquarters in Bedford, Massachusetts, and continue product development there.
What This Means for the Roomba Brand
Under Picea’s ownership, iRobot gains access to expanded manufacturing capacity and additional engineering resources. The Galaxus report suggests this could significantly increase research and development capabilities for future Roomba models.
Rather than splitting resources across multiple consumer brands, Picea appears to be concentrating efforts on strengthening the iRobot name globally. This could position Roomba to compete more aggressively with rapidly evolving brands in the premium and midrange robot vacuum segments.
Impact on the Robot Vacuum Industry
The decision to discontinue 3i while reinforcing iRobot reflects a broader trend in the robot vacuum market: increased vertical integration between manufacturing and brand ownership.
For consumers, the immediate impact appears minimal. For the industry, however, the acquisition marks a notable shift in ownership dynamics and competitive positioning within the global robot vacuum landscape.
iRobot Roomba Robot Vacuum Buyers Guide 2026
iRobot has rolled out a revamped Roomba lineup for 2025, introducing key changes to its long-running series. From the entry-level 105 series to the top-of-the-line 705 series, these new models showcase a range of noteworthy updates that could signal a pivotal shift for the company. This guide delves into their major enhancements and offers insights into how they’ll perform in everyday life. See the Guide
