Stock Quote

Data Provided by Refinitiv. Minimum 15 minutes delayed.

News Release

 View printer-friendly version

<< Back

iRobot Joins the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in Fight Against Breast Cancer

Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition Will Debut on The WB Network's

BURLINGTON, Mass., April 25, 2005 - In time for spring cleaning and gift-giving, iRobot Corp., creator of the iRobot Roomba® Robotic Floorvac, has pioneered another first - a robot with heart. In collaboration with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, iRobot introduces the special iRobot Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition to help support breast cancer research and outreach programs. Beginning in mid-May, iRobot will donate 20 percent of the retail sales price of each Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition sold to the Komen Foundation, with a minimum guaranteed donation of $45,000.

The Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition will make its debut on May 3, appearing in an episode of WB television's "Gilmore Girls." This will kick off a series of events demonstrating iRobot's support of the Komen Foundation and its mission to eradicate a disease that claims more than 40,000 lives in the United States each year. iRobot will also participate in numerous local Komen Race for the Cure® events around the country in 2005 and sponsor a Race team spearheaded by breast cancer survivor Peggy Bell, daughter of iRobot Project Manager Bob Bell.

"Breast cancer has affected many of us at iRobot," said Helen Greiner, chairman and co-founder of iRobot. "Having lost my grandmother to the disease, I understand the importance of facilitating research to eliminate breast cancer. By joining forces with the Komen Foundation, we hope to bring them one step closer to finding a cure."

The pastel pink Roomba features all of iRobot's signature functionality and intelligence, including proprietary Dirt Detect(TM) technology, which senses particularly dirty areas, and coverage algorithms, which allow iRobot's Roomba to autonomously vacuum the entire floor for superior cleaning coverage. The Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition comes with a fast-charge battery and two Virtual Wall® units to block off areas where Roomba shouldn't venture. An optional recharging Home Base(TM) and remote control add convenience to the Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition.

"A key to our success at the Komen Foundation is that we collaborate with a variety of organizations to provide creative ways for people to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer," said Cindy Schneible, vice president of cause-related marketing and sponsorship at the Komen Foundation. "We are proud to have the opportunity to partner with iRobot to increase breast cancer awareness and allow men and women nationwide to make a valuable contribution to breast cancer research and community outreach programs."

Amazon.com and LnT.com (Linens n' Things) will be the first retailers to carry the Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition. The special edition robot will also be available directly from iRobot at www.irobot.com/sgk or 1-888-268-0757. The suggested retail price of the Roomba Pink Ribbon Edition is $180, and 20% of the retail sales price ($36) will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the fight against breast cancer.

About the Komen Foundation
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 active volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure® to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease. A global leader in the fight against breast cancer, the Foundation fulfills its mission through support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised more than $740 million for the fight against breast cancer.

For more information about the Komen Foundation, breast health or breast cancer, please visit www.komen.org.

About iRobot Corp.
iRobot has a long commitment to building robotic products that make living safer and easier for people in many walks of life. Over the past 15 years, iRobot has developed and built innovative products for the government, law enforcement, and industrial cleaning industries, as well as the popular line of iRobot Roomba® Robotic Floorvacs for the consumer marketplace. In 2003, co-founders Helen Greiner and Colin Angle were named Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneurs of the Year for their innovative work in technology. In 2004, iRobot's talent base grew by over 40 percent and the company will continue to hire outstanding talent to meet its business plan. For employment opportunities and other information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

Contact:
Parna Sarkar
iRobot Corp.
psarkar@irobot.com
(781) 418-3135
Rachel Loya
A&R Partners for iRobot Corp.
rloya@arpartners.com
(650) 762-2903