Robot, the maker of the popular Roomba vacuum cleaner, filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 14, saying it would go private after being purchased by its Chinese manufacturer. In a news release on Dec.

iRobot, the company that brought robotic vacuum cleaners to homes and popular culture, has filed for bankruptcy.

"The transaction will strengthen our financial position and will help deliver continuity for our consumers, customers, and partners," iRobot CEO Gary Cohen said in a statement.