iRobot, maker of Roomba vacuums, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 15, 2025, amid financial woes from a blocked Amazon acquisition, competition, and declining revenue. Chinese supplier Picea Robotics will acquire it, ensuring operations continue. This highlights broader challenges in consumer robotics, including market commoditization and regulatory impacts.
Seattle's 2025 GeekWire Gala at Showbox SoDo drew over 750 tech leaders for a festive blend of networking, karaoke, and robotic interactions, including dancing bots from local startups. Honoring "Uncommon Thinkers," it sparked discussions on AI's social role. The event highlighted innovation's harmonious fusion with holiday cheer.
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EngineAI's CEO, Zhao Tongyang, allowed the T800 humanoid robot to kick him in a viral video to counter CGI skepticism about its agility and strength. This bold stunt, inspired by sci-fi, silenced critics, sparked social media debates, and highlighted industry challenges in proving authenticity amid deepfakes.
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