If Angle can maintain growth like that, he has a chance to fulfill his longtime dream: bringing robotics from the realm of science fiction to the reality of home chores and health care.

FORBES: Invasion Of The Machines: iRobot Hunts Bombs, Cleans Floors, Now Wants To Heal You

Founded in 1990 by Angle, fellow MIT grad Helen Greiner and MIT professor Rodney Brooks, the company was initially more of a nerd dream than a workable business plan.

FORBES: Invasion Of The Machines: iRobot Hunts Bombs, Cleans Floors, Now Wants To Heal You