iRobot Stock Surges on White House Robotics Support Plans
iRobot Corporation shares soared 74% on Wednesday following reports of impending White House support for the U.S. robotics industry. The TRUMP administration's planned executive order—expected to include subsidies, tax incentives, and R&D funding—triggered a violent short squeeze in the heavily shorted stock.
Despite the rally, iRobot faces structural challenges. Q3 revenue fell 25% year-over-year to $145.8 million, while $161.5 million in liabilities to a Chinese manufacturing partner remains outstanding. The stock remains down 56% year-to-date, with early Thursday trading showing 4% pullback.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has reportedly engaged industry leaders to accelerate sector growth. This follows similar administration initiatives in nuclear energy and semiconductor production—a pattern of strategic industrial policy targeting key technologies.
