A Rough Week for iRobot, but Hope for Robotics Professionals
It’s been a tough week for my industry, and it’s not just because of the usual challenges we face. This time, it felt especially dire, perhaps because it hit close to home. Not many publications have gone through what iRobot is facing right now. After a year-and-a-half of waiting, Amazon dropped its bid to purchase the Roomba-maker, citing mounting regulatory concerns.
As a result, iRobot is working through yet another round of layoffs, which is significant, amounting to 350 people – nearly one-third of the company’s global workforce. Losing your job can be devastating, and I’ve been there myself a couple of times. It’s difficult to shake off the feeling of shame that comes with it.
It’s Not Your Fault
But let me tell you, it’s not your fault. That’s a cliché, but it’s a cliché for a reason. A lot of people well above your pay grade made a series of wrong decisions, resulting in a final decision that finds you facing the consequences. There are infinite macro factors at play, but that’s cold comfort when you don’t know where your next paycheck is coming from.
The Good News
However, if you work in robotics, there’s good news for you. The economy has been through a lot over the past several years, but automation has thrived amid the chaos. If you’re based in a hot spot like Boston or Pittsburgh, there are always openings. And if you’re elsewhere, the pandemic has helped decentralize the workforce.
Job Opportunities in Robotics
If you’re looking for a new gig in robotics, here’s a good place to start:
- Agtonomy (6 roles)
- Amazon Robotics (10 roles)
- Ambi Robotics (1 role)
- ANYbotics (27 roles)
- Autodesk (1 role)
- Berkshire Grey (20 roles)
- Bonsai Robotics (6 roles)
- Boston Dynamics (10 roles)
- BRINC (15 roles)
- Burro (10 roles)
- Chef Robotics (6 roles)
- Exotec (177 roles)
- Farm-ng (4 roles)
- Figure (20 roles)
- Formant (6 roles)
- Four Growers (4 roles)
- Freefly Systems (7 roles)
- Guardian Agriculture (5 roles)
- House of Design Robotics (4 roles)
- Kewazo (2 roles)
- Matic Robots (12 roles)
- Monumental (10 roles)
- Neya Systems (6 roles)
- Picogrid (4 roles)
- Polymath Robotics (1 role)
- Roboto AI (1 role)
- Skip (2 roles)
- Stratom (3 roles)
- Vention (15 roles)
- WiBotic (3 roles)
Conclusion
While it’s been a tough week for iRobot, there are still many job opportunities available in the robotics industry. If you’re looking for a new gig, be sure to check out these companies and their open roles. Remember, it’s not your fault if you lose your job – it’s often the result of decisions made by people above your pay grade. But with automation thriving amid economic chaos, there are still many opportunities available in robotics.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
To stay ahead of the curve and find the best job opportunities in robotics, be sure to follow these companies and their latest developments:
- TechCrunch: Stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in the tech industry.
- Robotics World: Explore the latest innovations and advancements in robotics.
- IEEE Robotics & Automation Society: Stay informed about the latest research and developments in robotics.
By following these sources, you’ll be well-equipped to find your next job opportunity in robotics.
