Roomba has been obsolete for 10 years. Competitors have eaten their lunch in every segment.

Perhaps because the 40 million units rely on an expensive back-end service that isn't covered by monthly fees to users?

Don't give them ideas.

Probably was, but that's just stupid business decisions.

Your pricing model should reflect your real-world costs. If it doesn't, then update your pricing model.

If consumers can't do the new pricing model, then your real-world costs are probably out of wack. Which they would be in this case - there's no reason a vaccum should require expensive backend services.

what is in between a disc shaped robot vacuum and an android walking around with a broom? there's no obvious path between those two designs. the answer is all the growth iRoomba needed and another $10b.

the problem with disc shaped vacuums is adapting your whole home to make their labor saving make sense. not maps or china or all this other bs.

It's not exactly the missing link, but a lot of brands have started adding features that could be seen as in between, like a little robot arm to pick things up, and little "legs" to go up stairs.

https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/dreames-new-...