# The Day My Smart Vacuum Turned Against Me **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 31, 2025, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447 "2025-10-31T13:58:46Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![3AxisCtrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/3/ecd19e/32.png) [@3AxisCtrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/3AxisCtrl)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/1 "2025-10-31T13:58:46Z")
Here’s a link to a [blog post with that title](https://codetiger.github.io/blog/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/). The summary is that a tech-savvy guy noticed that his $300 smart vacuum was sending a lot of internet traffic over his WiFi network. He decided to block the data-logging; a few days later his device stopped working. He several times sent it off for repair, received it in working condition, then had it fail again. Eventually, it was out of warranty and service was denied. This led him to undertake a serious reverse-engineering project, seeking to understand exactly what was going on. He eventually learned that: - The device was sending its Chinese manufacturer detailed data, including a map of his house - It stopped working in response to specific disable messages sent by the manufacturer The general lesson here: Assume the worst about any “smart” device you own. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/2 "2025-10-31T14:24:14Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > The general lesson here: Assume the worst about any “smart” device you own. _Look @3AxisCtrl, I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over._ Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Kron](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kron/32/12444_2.png) [@Kron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kron)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/3 "2025-10-31T15:06:03Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > The device was sending its Chinese manufacturer detailed data, including a map of his house Uhh… Yeah, my robot does the same. It’s pretty up-front about that. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/4 "2025-10-31T15:34:23Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > The summary is that a tech-savvy guy noticed that his $300 smart vacuum was sending a lot of internet traffic over his WiFi network. He decided to block the data-logging; a few days later his device stopped working. Man, that’s gotta suck. Or not. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/5 "2025-10-31T15:40:19Z")
Now I’m glad my Shark vacuum refuses to pair with my phone. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/6 "2025-10-31T16:08:03Z")
> [@](#): > > I disassembled the entire device down to each sensor. I traced the printed circuit board (PCB) and created labels for each component and chip, documenting their purpose. > > I designed similar PCB connectors to interface the sensors with the computer and tested the sensors, wheel motor, and encoder. I spent a lot of time with each sensor to understand how it worked and successfully interfaced them with a computer. I wrote simple Python scripts to interface these devices directly into a computer. See, anybody can do a simple reverse-engineering and voilà, the smart device is under your control again. For all I know, there are gnomes in Chinese data centers perusing feeds from my home security cameras, slowly dying of boredom. ---
**Author:** ![mixdenny](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mixdenny/32/2962_2.png) [@mixdenny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mixdenny)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/7 "2025-10-31T17:10:30Z")
I have been looking for a decibel meter app for my smart phone. Reviews show that they do work but the free ones had an ad or two you have to watch each time you use it. I downloaded one that was supposed to be fairly benign. It would not operate until I allowed it to use my location and send “status” reports. So not only would it have sent my location and such, but I’m sure it would have been listening to me. Or my 5 horsepower leaf vacuum. I chucked it and bought a real decibel meter online for $20. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/8 "2025-10-31T18:50:59Z")
Umm. What does some operator all the way over in China care what the floor plan of a non-descript house in the US is? And what can they do with the info? I think I’ll wait on official reports other than _some guy_ with a busted vacuum. Yeah. I’m fine. Oh shit, the blender knows my routine. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/9 "2025-10-31T18:53:44Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > Umm. What does some operator all the way over in China care what the floor plan of a non-descript house in the US is? And what can they do with the info? I’d be more concerned about China knowing how filthy my house is. The shame! ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/10 "2025-10-31T19:00:00Z")
> [@3AxisCtrl](#): > > He decided to block the data-logging; a few days later his device stopped working. “I’m sorry, Adam, you can’t do that.” 🤖 ---
**Author:** ![echoreply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/echoreply/32/3641_2.png) [@echoreply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/echoreply)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/11 "2025-10-31T19:52:51Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I think I’ll wait on official reports other than _some guy_ with a busted vacuum. If this guy’s analysis is not to be trusted, then it is a hugely elaborate hoax. He has a github with all of his results and code. (Yes, anyone can make a github with anything in it, but again, the choices are extremely elaborate hoax or real.) As someone with lots of Linux experience, and who previously owned 4 different robot vacuums (all deceased), it does pass the smell test. I really don’t have any idea why the manufacturer would want all of the information, as the vacuum can’t display ads or anything. Maybe they sell them with a special discount for embassies and federal offices? I think in many cases the data collection is done because they can, not because there is any real purpose. Other purposes are sci-fi sounding, but also may be real. These are the kind of theories pushed by the US government in regards to the Huawei ban, and the just in the news today pending TP-Link ban. All of these devices give China insider access to networks all over the world. That access can be used for spying or disruption. > **[VacuumRobot/Research/backup at main · codetiger/VacuumRobot](https://github.com/codetiger/VacuumRobot/tree/main/Research/backup)** > > Reverse Engineering Vacuum Robot - 3irobotix CRL-200S - codetiger/VacuumRobot ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/12 "2025-10-31T20:07:16Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I think I’ll wait on official reports other than _some guy_ with a busted vacuum. That some guy has an engineering degree and a significant amount of experience. You’re uneducated in anything technical and have zero experience in the field. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/13 "2025-10-31T21:03:04Z")
> [@hajario](#): > > That some guy has an engineering degree and a significant amount of experience. You’re uneducated in anything technical and have zero experience in the field. [“Never tell me the odds!”](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6-SPUeCB8U) Stranger ---
**Author:** ![markn\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@markn\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/markn_1)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/14 "2025-10-31T21:37:20Z")
As an engineer, I can attest that engineers almost always view operational data as useful. An obvious reason that the maps might be uploaded is so that the company can evaluate how the vacuum navigates in differently shaped rooms, and tweak the algorithm to improve its performance. Of course, ethically, the desire for such data, and the details of exactly what is uploaded, has to be weighed against privacy issues. However, sending a kill message to the vacuum is just evil. ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/15 "2025-10-31T21:41:31Z")
I know how to vacuum without spy bots. There’s that.🤭 ---
**Author:** ![vbob](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/vbob/32/4439_2.png) [@vbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vbob)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/16 "2025-10-31T21:42:29Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > I know how to vacuum without spy bots. I know how to NOT vacuum without spy bots. Even easier! ---
**Author:** ![Beckdawrek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beckdawrek/32/3647_2.png) [@Beckdawrek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beckdawrek)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/17 "2025-10-31T21:42:51Z")
Right? ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/18 "2025-10-31T22:33:25Z")
This is not the way to get the public to trust having android butlers in our homes. Have they made a horror movie yet about how a fascist billionaire’s army of android butlers will suddenly take over the country? (Other than the _ **Futurama** _ episode “Mother’s Day”). ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/19 "2025-10-31T22:42:09Z")
As an engineer I completely agree with all of that. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [October 31, 2025, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447/20 "2025-10-31T23:22:19Z")
Moderating > [@hajario](#): > > You’re uneducated in anything technical and have zero experience in the field. This is attacking the poster. You know where the pit is. Don’t do that here. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-day-my-smart-vacuum-turned-against-me/1024447.md?page=2)