Amazon (AMZN  ) announced last week that it would acquire iRobot (IRBT  ), the maker of the popular Roomba vacuum, in an all-cash deal estimated at $1.7 billion ($61 per share).

Consumers have long sought after iRobot in the hopes of creating greater convenience for their lives. In making this deal with iRobot, Amazon intends to strengthen its connection with consumer robotics. It already provides a variety of smart home devices, such as the connected doorbell known as the Ring, and other voice-activated devices.

"We know that saving time matters, and chores take precious time that can be better spent doing something that customers love," said Dave Limp, SVP of Amazon Devices, in a statement. "Over many years, the iRobot team has proven its ability to reinvent how people clean with products that are incredibly practical and inventive-from cleaning when and where customers want while avoiding common obstacles in the home, to automatically emptying the collection bin. Customers love iRobot products-and I'm excited to work with the iRobot team to invent in ways that make customers' lives easier and more enjoyable."

Since 2002, iRobot has been releasing robotic vacuums, such as the Roomba vacuum or iRobot OS, which are essentially vacuums and mops that are run by way of artificial intelligence. Home assistant robots such as these are specifically designed to conduct tasks such as mapping out floor plans, adhering to commands regarding movement between rooms, or recognizing faces. They can also answer questions, play music, or provide helpful information, such as about the weather.

This particular acquisition by Amazon is its fourth largest deal, and it has purchased iRobot at a time during which its total income is dealing with a 30% decrease from 2021. iRobot became popularized particularly in 2020 and 2021, throughout the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, since consumers desired more time at home felt the need for greater conveniences.

"Over many years, the iRobot team has proven its ability to reinvent how people clean with products that are incredibly practical and inventive - from cleaning when and where customers want while avoiding common obstacles in the home, to automatically emptying the collection bin," said Dave Limp, Amazon's hardware devices chief, in a statement. "Customers love iRobot products - and I'm excited to work with the iRobot team to invent in ways that make customers' lives easier and more enjoyable."