A software architect discovered his iLife A11 smart vacuum was secretly transmitting data to overseas servers in 2025. When he blocked the data collection, the vacuum was remotely disabled through hidden software that allowed manufacturer access[1].

The vacuum contained sophisticated hardware including an AllWinner A33 processor running Linux and Google Cartographer mapping software. Through reverse engineering, the author found rtty remote access software that let manufacturers secretly control devices[1:1].

The incident sparked discussions about IoT device privacy and control. Multiple vacuum brands including Xiaomi, Wyze, and Viomi use the same hardware platform (3irobotix CRL-200S), suggesting widespread vulnerability[1:2].

The story gained attention in October 2025, with tech commentators highlighting it as a cautionary tale about smart home devices[2]. Forum discussions revealed similar experiences with other robot vacuums losing connectivity or requiring resets after firmware updates[3][4].

  1. The Day My Smart Vacuum Turned Against Me ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Suggested Read: The Day My Smart Vacuum Turned Against Me - Troy Patterson ↩︎

  3. Wyze Forums - Robot vacuum does not connect to wifi ↩︎

  4. Wyze Forums - Wyze Vacuum Save Created Maps in App ↩︎

  • Lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
    3·
    17 hours ago

    Lmao

    I literally have one of these sitting in a bucket next to my desk, all pulled apart to swap in a slightly older revision board to root and install Valetudo.

    Say hello to my $20 Wyze Robot Vacuum, aka Xiaomi Vacuum-Mop P, aka Viomi V7, aka… The 3irobotix CRL-200S.