iRobot, the company that invented robot vacuum cleaners 23 years ago, has emerged from bankruptcy under new Chinese ownership and announced eight new Roomba models. Shenzhen PICEA Robotics, iRobot's primary manufacturer, took over the business after it filed for voluntary bankruptcy at the end of last year. The reborn company says its new lineup combines improved performance with significantly smaller dimensions.

The new models range from £229 (~$309) for the base Roomba 115 to £799 (~$1,080) for the flagship Max 775 — slightly lower starting points than the prior lineup. The 775 almost doubles suction power to 30,000 Pa compared to the 705's 16,000 Pa, and introduces pressurized hot spray pretreatment and "hotspot mopping" features. Many models are up to 25 percent smaller to navigate homes more easily.

The entry-level Roomba 115 Combo offers compelling value with doubled suction power at 15,000 PA and an optional auto-empty dock for £70 ($95). iRobot struggled to keep pace with increasingly affordable competitors before its bankruptcy, and its revival under PICEA Robotics now faces the challenge of re-establishing the brand that created the robot vacuum category.