iRobot, the renowned US consumer - robotics behemoth that was once lauded as the "trailblazer" in the robotic vacuum cleaner sector, now finds itself ensnared in a dire financial predicament. As of November 24, 2025, iRobot is indebted to its Chinese OEM factory in Shenzhen, namely Shenzhen 3i Robotics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as "3i"), to the tune of over USD 350 million (roughly RMB 2.5 billion). This debt encompasses USD 161.5 million in product manufacturing expenses, with USD 90.9 million of that amount already overdue, as well as USD 190.7 million in unpaid loan principal and interest that 3i has incurred on behalf of iRobot. With a mere USD 24.8 million left in its cash coffers, iRobot is teetering on the brink of technical bankruptcy. At present, 3i has emerged as iRobot's largest creditor, and both sides are actively engaged in negotiations to devise solutions for the outstanding debt. Moreover, iRobot is also scouring for external funding or a potential new buyer in a bid to stave off bankruptcy.