iRobot: Robotics to Reality

Robots or robotics as we know today was not always as advanced and sophisticated technological domain as it is today. The history of robotics dates back to the times when the first kinematic mechanical frame was engineered to reduce the manual effort. These machines later got upgraded with added intelligence and world began to know them as robots or autonomous machines. With time, the dynamics of robotics have significantly evolved and have found major applications within industry verticals transforming not just the technical landscape but also the corporate world. One such organization which has helped making the vision of making practical robots a reality is iRobot. Established in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, iRobot has emerged as a pioneer in the robotics industry, with a goal to drive innovation, serve as an industry catalyst and change the world by fueling an era of robots.

iRobot brings a unique range of home robots that specialize in cleaning the house. The company is known to have introduced some of the world’s most important robots. In its portfolio of home robots, iRobot includes Roomba Vacuuming Robot, which made practical robots a reality for the first time and proved their potential in no time. The other home robots introduced by the Massachusetts based iRobot are Scooba Floor Scrubbing Robot, Braava Mopping Robot, Mirra Pool Cleaning Robot and Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot. These robots are changing the way people look at robots by installing practical robots to help them with their household chores.

Another major offering by the company is Ava 500 video collaboration robot which delivers autonomous telepresence to the enterprise market. “To support and encourage the development of robot technology, iRobot offers comprehensive resources for third-party developers, providing information and products that facilitate the creation and easy integration of new payloads, behaviors and capabilities on iRobot platforms,” says Colin M. Angle, Chairman, CEO & Director, iRobot. Innovation is the key for this futuristic company which reflects well in its efforts and one such credible effort remains its collaboration with external developers from government agencies, academic institutions and small and large businesses. This collaboration is aimed at creating and bringing innovations that help war fighters and public safety professionals tackle dangerous missions with less risk. Over the years, iRobot has sold more than 15 million robots worldwide working towards its vision to make practical robots a reality. It has been a collaborative effort of its team of over 500 professionals including mechanical, electrical and software engineers.

iRobot has sold more than 15 million robots worldwide working towards its vision to make practical robots a reality.

iRobot has also come up with a multi-faceted educational initiative, which envisions inspiring students to make a career in the STEM fields including robotics. Adding to it, Colin specifies, “The program helps generate excitement around science, technology, engineering and math. iRobot STEM brings the exciting and educational world of robots into the classroom all year long with online resources, classroom visits, demonstrations and much more.” Also a founder and lead organizer of National Robotics Week, the company enthusiastically promotes robotics as a pillar of 21st century American innovation.

iRobot’s existence in the robotics sector brings a pleasant picture of numerous such exciting and revolutionary initiatives. Backed by the experience of over two decades, it continues to be committed towards building invention and discovery working towards its ultimate vision to come up with robots that improve the quality of life and safety standards worldwide.