Over the past fourteen years, iRobot has progressively gained market share over more established, \u201cconventional\u201d vacuum brands like Hoover, Dyson, and Black & Decker. As a segment, robotic cleaners (also known as \u201crobovacs\u201d) are expected to grow at a CAGR of 11.4% to 2022 in the United States.[2]<\/a> Worldwide, robovacs command 20% of the vacuum market\u2014of which 70% is controlled by iRobot.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Despite this tremendous performance, growth has been somewhat restricted by the high price of a robovac: most products are priced well above $500,[4]<\/a> although iRobot recently developed a $274 vacuum with an impressive range of capabilities (automatic cleaning, docking\/recharging, and adjustment for floor types). iRobot competes well with high-priced vacuums (i.e. Dyson), but so far fails to provide an alternative to its lower-priced competitors. For example, most of Hoover\u2019s vacuum cleaners are priced below $200.[5]<\/a><\/p>\n iRobot is well-positioned to continue to lead the robovac category, which has recently become its sole focus. In early 2016, it \u201cdivested itself of its defense and security robotics division and is now focused entirely on the home consumer space.\u201d[6]<\/a> To continue to gain market share over its conventional competitors, it must focus on two things: 1) lowering its entry-level price point, and 2) be the first robovac manufacturer to fully capitalize on the internet of things (IoT). For this post, I\u2019ll focus primarily on the latter.<\/p>\n [7]<\/a><\/p>\n iRobot has already started to entrench itself into the IoT, but must continue to pursue new technologies. Its newest Roomba can be controlled via smartphone\u2014but Colin Angle, iRobot\u2019s CEO, has much more in mind. He envisions a robotic vacuum which continuously its environment and assesses potential threats (i.e. robbers), monitors temperature (and link to smoke alarms in case of fire), and much more.[8]<\/a> To stay relevant, iRobot must be the first business to incorporate these functions into its devices at a reasonable price. At the moment, the smartphone-controlled Roomba sells for almost $800.<\/p>\n In addition, Roomba should listen to its customers and work more with other IoT companies. For example, there is no way to connect the Roomba and Amazon\u2019s Echo to date. It\u2019s necessary for iRobot to stay on the cutting edge of technology in the consumer space, as the market is quickly becoming crowded. A similar product, Neato\u2019s Botvac, provides most of the same functionality (including smartphone connectivity) at a lower price.[9]<\/a> iRobot risks losing its competitive advantage if it fails to innovate ahead of its competitors.<\/p>\n [10]<\/a><\/p>\n Ultimately, the future of iRobot is bright\u2014provided the company continues to integrate into the IoT and lowers its entry-level price point. Given the company\u2019s steady track record of success, it seems likely that iRobot will continue to succeed. The free press can\u2019t hurt, either: a video of a cat riding a Roomba has over 11 million views on YouTube.[11]<\/a><\/p>\n 800 words<\/p>\n Photo Source: YouTube.com. 2012. Cat In A Shark Costume Chases A Duck While Riding A Roomba. [ONLINE] Available at: https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Of2HU3LGdbo. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [1]<\/a> Ron Amadeo. 2016. iRobot sells off military unit, will stick to friendlier consumer robots. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/arstechnica.com\/gadgets\/2016\/02\/irobot-sells-off-military-unit-will-stick-to-friendlier-consumer-robots\/. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> Grand View Research. 2016. Household Vacuum Cleaners Market Analysis By Product (Upright, Canister, Central, Robotic, Drum, Wet\/dry), And Segment Forecasts To 2022. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/www.grandviewresearch.com\/industry-analysis\/household-vacuum-cleaners-market. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Ibid.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Vipassa Kakroo. 2015. Residential robotic vacuum cleaner market poised for stellar growth. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/robohub.org\/residential-robotic-vacuum-cleaner-market-poised-for-stellar-growth\/. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Amazon.com. 2016. Hoover BH52210PC Cruise Cordless 22V Lithium Ion Lightweight Stick & Vacuum Cleaner. [ONLINE] Available at: https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Hoover-BH52210PC-Cordless-Lithium-Lightweight\/dp\/B01KKCI9GE\/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1479496954&sr=8-10&keywords=hoover. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Darrell Etherington. 2016. iRobot says 20 percent of the world\u2019s vacuums are now robots. [ONLINE] Available at: https:\/\/techcrunch.com\/2016\/11\/07\/irobot-says-20-percent-of-the-worlds-vacuums-are-now-robots\/. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [7]<\/a> iRobot.com. 2016. Download the iRobot HOME App. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/www.irobot.com\/For-the-Home\/App\/Download.aspx. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [8]<\/a> Meghan Ottolini. 2016. iRobot CEO: Robotics Is An IoT Solution. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/www.crn.com\/news\/internet-of-things\/video\/300081385\/irobot-ceo-robotics-is-an-iot-solution.htm. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n [9]<\/a> Christian de Looper. 2015. The Neato Botvac Is A Connected Vacuum That Can Be Controlled With A Smartphone. [ONLINE] Available at: http:\/\/www.techtimes.com\/articles\/81548\/20150902\/neato-botvac-connected-vacuum-controlled-smartphone.htm. [Accessed 18 November 2016].<\/p>\n![\"vacuum-industry-market-share\"](\"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2016\/11\/Vacuum-Industry-Market-Share-300x179.png\")
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<\/a><\/p>\n![\"neato-botvac\"](\"https:\/\/d3.harvard.edu\/platform-rctom\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2016\/11\/neato-botvac-300x225.jpg\")
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