Helen Greiner is the c0-founder of iRobot, which she helped to start as a result of her interest in robots. Greiner’s enthusiasm for these intriguing machines came from her fondness for R2-D2 in Star Wars and her desire to create something between a robot and a computer, similar to the one that her dad would bring home from work (shown below).
The idea, in Greiner’s mind, was to create something that would, more or less, have a mind of its own. iRobot’s first success was a talking doll. After that, the company started working on a vacuum cleaner with SC Johnson Professional. The vacuum was a human sized robot that ran by itself, but the engineers understood that it would potentially be too dangerous at its current size. As a result they focused on building a smaller vacuum that would be more efficient. During this time, iRobot also aided in creating robots that would detect and defuse bombs, building contracts with the military for hundreds of millions of dollars. Since then, iRobot has engaged in other advancements in the robot industry, such as drones. Ms. Greiner helped start CyPhy Works, a drone specific company. CyPhy Works builds drones mostly for military and industrial use. One example is the testing Greiner did with UPS for delivering packages. It was very successful.
Learn more: https://techcrunch.com/2017/07/06/flux-robot-queen-helen-greiner-on-robots-drones-and-the-self-aware-roomba/
I’m intrigued as to whether the move away from the vacuum was a result of increased competition in the market. This seems likely as PureClean’s robotic vacuum is now by far the most popular but it is also among a number of other viable options.
It’s interesting that this sprung from an interest in things as simple as her dad’s computer and R2D2. I think if we focused more on what actually caught our attention, we would be more passionate about what we do, and be more efficient as a result.
Also noteworthy that iRobot is using similar technology in a variety of fields. Where else could this be applicable, I wonder?
There was definitely room for innovation here and this robotic vacuum filled the void here. I like when innovation combines passion with practicality to create phenomenal ideas. These have always seemed so cool to me. Who would have thought?
I love star wars and have always loved R2D2. I think it’s so incredible that with modern day technology, I am able to create a business around something that I am so passionate and that others are doing it. My family has one of these and it truly is incredible. Can’t wait till we see more and more creations and inventions like this one!
iRobot is such an awesome example of how an interest sparked an invention. I wonder if Greiner realized how far her company could go, from vacuuming floors to detecting bombs, from cleaning to saving lives. This just goes to show that where there’s a passion there’s an idea; and, where there’s and idea, there’s a solution to a problem.