iRobot Corporation (IRBT)

[canaryincoalmine]

In my mind it makes perfect sense. The pendulum has swung and current political climate isn't supporting big defense contracts, so IRBT is seeking growth in other markets e.g. healthcare and homecare.
No secret Medicare and Medicaid are not sustainable meaning changes are coming. In my opinion, IRBT is positioning themselves using the AVA platform and partnering with Intouch who already has contracts with 600+ hospitals nationwide gives them an edge. What better test bed to perfect the tool, gain market share, and establish itself. The autonomous device navigates through the facility and allows MDs to conduct rounds remotely via telepresence. I doubt the market for this is huge, but I’m here for the next logical step in the evolution.
Refined and mass produced, the AVA could easily be deployed in homes as a means to monitor medically fragile patients, delay nursing home entry and costly skilled nursing visits which could save the feds billions a year.
Also, keep in mind, IRBT already has the necessary lobbyists in place to get the coveted Medicare approvals to drive this home. $$$

Just my 2c.

Cheers,

K