In a major blow to the smart home industry, iRobot, the company famous for its Roomba vacuum cleaners, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on December 15, 2025. Facing stiff competition from low-cost Chinese rivals and rising tariffs on imports, the firm will hand over ownership to its main manufacturer, Shenzhen-based Picea Robotics, through a pre-packaged restructuring process.
This move comes after years of struggles, including a failed acquisition by Amazon in 2024, which left iRobot vulnerable. The bankruptcy filing highlights broader challenges in the tech sector, where global trade tensions and rapid innovation are reshaping markets. Meanwhile, other tech stories are making waves, from innovative power solutions for AI data centers to electric vehicle launches and calls for space cooperation.
Why iRobot Fell Into Bankruptcy
iRobot has been a pioneer in home robotics since 1990, starting as a project from MIT researchers. Its Roomba line revolutionized cleaning with smart, self-navigating vacuums. But recent years brought tough times.
The company cited intense competition from cheaper Chinese brands as a key factor. These rivals offer similar features at lower prices, forcing iRobot to slash its own costs and invest heavily in new tech. On top of that, new US tariffs hit hard. Duties of 46% on goods from Vietnam, where many Roomba devices are made for the American market, added about $23 million in extra costs this year alone.
Documents from the filing show iRobot’s financial reserves had dwindled to under $25 million by late 2025. The pre-packaged Chapter 11 allows Picea Robotics to take full control, wiping out around $264 million in debt. This includes canceling a $190 million loan from 2023 and additional manufacturing debts.
Experts say this could mean big changes for Roomba owners. While current devices should keep working, future updates and support might shift under new ownership. The deal aims to keep operations running smoothly, but some worry about job losses and product quality.
Jet Engines Power Up AI Data Centers
As artificial intelligence booms, data centers are guzzling electricity like never before. In the US, demand has surged so much that traditional power sources can’t keep pace. Enter an unlikely hero: repurposed jet engines.
Tech giants are turning to gas-fired turbines based on aviation tech to fill the gap. On December 15, 2025, startup Boom unveiled a modified version of its Symphony engine. Originally designed for supersonic jets, this adaptation can be deployed quickly to data centers nationwide.
Boom’s CEO, Blake Scholl, explained that supersonic tech speeds up not just flights but also AI progress. These engines provide reliable, high-output power when grids are strained. It’s a creative fix amid a scramble for energy, with data centers projected to consume up to 8% of US electricity by 2030.
This trend ties into broader energy challenges. Natural gas remains a go-to for quick scaling, but environmental groups push for greener alternatives like solar and wind. Still, jet engine repurposing offers a fast bridge to meet immediate needs.
- Key benefits of jet engine power for data centers:
- Rapid deployment in weeks, not years.
- High efficiency for constant AI workloads.
- Scalable output to match growing demands.
XPENG G6 Launch Boosts EV Market
Electric vehicles are charging ahead, and China’s XPENG is revving up the competition. The company plans to launch its G6 model in the UK during the first quarter of 2026, promising game-changing battery tech.
The G6 features an 80.8kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that charges from 10% to 80% in just 12 minutes. XPENG calls it the fastest in its segment, potentially luring buyers away from rivals like Tesla. This mid-sized SUV emphasizes space, advanced tech, and value for money.
Priced around £39,000, the G6 aims to rival established brands with its quick charging and long range. It’s part of XPENG’s push into Europe, following successful models in other markets. The launch comes as EV adoption grows, driven by falling battery costs and better infrastructure.
Analysts predict the G6 could shake up the UK market, where electric cars made up 18% of new sales in 2025. With incentives and charging networks expanding, this model addresses a big pain point: range anxiety.
| Feature | XPENG G6 | Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Size | 80.8kWh | 75kWh |
| Charge Time (10-80%) | 12 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Starting Price (UK) | £39,000 | £44,990 |
| Range (Estimated) | 360 miles | 331 miles |
Tim Peake Calls for Space Teamwork
British astronaut Tim Peake marked the 10th anniversary of his International Space Station mission with a plea for unity. In a December 2025 interview, he urged the US and China to ditch space race rhetoric and collaborate on moon missions.
Peake stressed the dangers of space, calling it a hostile environment where emergencies demand cross-border help. He argued for contingency plans to rescue astronauts from any nation, saying it would be foolish to explore alone.
This comes amid rising tensions, with both superpowers eyeing lunar bases. Peake’s call echoes successful past efforts like the ISS, a joint project involving multiple countries. Collaboration could speed up discoveries and share costs, benefiting global science.
As private firms like SpaceX join the fray, Peake believes teamwork is key to safe, sustainable exploration. His words add to growing discussions on international space policy.
UK Shifts Gears on Car Bans
The UK’s push toward green transport hit a snag as Conservatives proposed scrapping the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. Announced in late 2025, the plan would ease requirements on manufacturers to sell electric vehicles.
This policy shift aims to give drivers more choices and reduce pressure on the auto industry. Supporters say it prevents job losses and allows time for EV tech to mature. Critics argue it slows climate goals, with transport emissions still a major issue.
The original ban, set in 2020, targeted net-zero by 2050. Now, with EV sales rising but infrastructure lagging, the debate heats up. If passed, it could reshape the market, affecting models like the XPENG G6.
What do you think about these tech and policy changes? Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word to keep the conversation going.
