The implications of Amazon's acquisition of iRobot

This week’s big announcement in the robotics industry was Amazon’s acquisition of iRobot, the maker of the famous Roomba vacuum cleaner.

The acquisition seems to be beneficial for both companies. Amazon, which is trying to make its entrance into home robots, gets the talent and experience of one of the few companies that have managed to survive the very harsh conditions of the consumer robotics market. And iRobot will get access to Amazon’s financial and technical resources.

What are the broader implications for the mobile robotics industry? As the industry matures, robotics companies are going to look for shortcuts for growth and market share. This will cause a consolidation, where small-but-successful robotics companies will gravitate toward and merge with large and cash-flush tech companies.

Read the full article on TechTalks.

For more articles on AI business and product management:

• Amazon’s Astro robot: A feat of science or a successful product?

• Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot is securing its position in a niche market

• Where is the voice assistant industry headed?

• The fate of Boston Dynamics