Listen to this article

iRobot recently kicked off a campaign to increase the accessibility and availability of STEM-related resources for underserved communities. iRobot customers can help their local communities simply by using their iRobot vacuum robots.

The campaign is called #irobotFor, and iRobot customers can help support STEM programs in local communities simply by running their Wi-Fi connected Roomba robot vacuum or Braava jet robot mop. For every 15 hours that a connected Roomba or Braava jet cleans, iRobot will donate a Root coding robot and training session to help students discover new skills and explore the fundamentals of robotics.

The campaign ends on November 30, 2021 with #irobotfor day, so get busy cleaning your house with your iRobot vacuum cleaner!

iRobot teamed up with The Clubhouse Network, an international non-profit organization that provides a creative and safe out-of-school learning environment for young people in areas of greatest need. iRobot will provide the Root coding robots and training sessions to Clubhouse Network locations.

“For more than a decade, iRobot has embarked on a STEM outreach program in schools and communities that enables our employees to speak directly with students and educators about the variety of opportunities and excitement that pursuing STEM-related fields can provide,” said Colin Angle, chairman and CEO of iRobot. “Today, we’re teaming with The Clubhouse Network – and with the help of our Roomba customers – to deliver STEM resources in communities that need it most.”

“We know that talent is distributed equally, but resources are not. Youth from historically marginalized communities are less likely to have equal access to STEM tools and learning opportunities, and ultimately, less access to careers that require those STEM skills,” said Gail Breslow, executive director, The Clubhouse Network. “By working with iRobot, our Clubhouses can provide access to STEM tools and activities to these young people and communities. Together, we can help create more opportunities for marginalized youth, and a more diverse workforce that benefits everyone.”

Additionally, an #iRobotFor giveaway will launch on December 1, asking people to use the #iRobotFor hashtag and share what they’d do with an hour back in their day, or nominate someone to get an hour back in theirs. Submissions using the featured hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook will be accepted December 1 – December 7, and iRobot will award a Roomba j7+ robot vacuums to 100 winning participants.

Earlier in November 2021, iRobot paid $72 million in cash to acquire Aeris Cleantec AG, a Switzerland-based developer of air purifiers. iRobot will pay more for the acquisition if Aeris hits certain performance targets in 2022.