The Irobot Create

History of the Irobot Corporation:

Founded in 1990 by Massachusetts Institute of Technology roboticists, iRobot Corp. specializes in behavior-based robots that help people complete tasks with better results. Powered by iRobot’s unique AWARE™ Robot Intelligence Systems, the company’s robots can navigate in complex and dynamic real-world situations. To date, the company has sold more than 3 million iRobot Roomba® Vacuuming Robots worldwide, making it the best-selling consumer robot in history. Also, more than 2,000 iRobot PackBot® Tactical Mobile Robots have been delivered to a broad range of military and civilian customers around the world. These robots have performed tens of thousands of missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and are credited with saving scores of soldiers’ lives. Company Milestones

• 1990 – Co-founders Colin Angle, Helen Greiner and Rodney Brooks launch the robot company.
• 1991 – iRobot unveils its first robot, Genghis, designed for extraterrestrial exploration.
• 1996 – iRobot develops Ariel, a robot that detects and eliminates mines in surf zones. Crab-like legs allow it to scramble over obstacles and remain in an upright position.
• 1998 – iRobot receives a DARPA contract for the tactical mobile robot program, eventually leading to the development of the iRobot PackBot®.
• September 2001 – iRobot PackBot leaves the lab and searches the rubble of the World Trade Center in New York City after the September 11th terrorist attacks.
• June 2002 – iRobot PackBot goes abroad to search caves in Afghanistan for ammunition and hostile forces.
• September 2002 – In cooperation with the National Geographic Society, iRobot designs a robot to search the Great Pyramids of Egypt. The live event is televised globally.
• September 2002 – The company introduces the iRobot Roomba® Vacuuming Robot, the first practical and affordable home robot.
• April 2004 – iRobot signs a contract to develop a Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle for the U.S. Army’s Future Combat Systems program.
• September 2004 – The company introduces the iRobot Roomba Discovery series, with features such as Dirt Detect and a self-charging Home Base®.
• October 2004 – Sales of iRobot Roomba Vacuuming Robots surpass 1 million units.
• May 2005 – iRobot unveils the iRobot Scooba®, the world’s first floor washing robot for the home.
• November 2005 – iRobot begins trading on the NASDAQ under the symbol “IRBT.”
• May 2006 – Sales of iRobot home robots surpass 2 million units.
• September 2006 – iRobot releases the iRobot Dirt Dog® Workshop Robot for garages, basements and workbench zones.
• January 2007 – iRobot releases the iRobot Create™ programmable robot designed for aspiring roboticists, students and developers.
• April 2007 – iRobot releases the iRobot Verro™ Pool Cleaning Robots.
• May 2007 – Worldwide deliveries of iRobot PackBot robots surpass 1,000 units.
• August 2007 – iRobot launches the Roomba 500 Series Vacuum Cleaning Robots.
• September 2007 – iRobot launches the Looj Gutter Cleaning Robot and ConnectR Virtual Visiting Robot.
• October 2008 – Worldwide deliveries of iRobot PackBot robots surpass 2,000 units.

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