Guy accidentally takes command of 7,000 robots in the homes of 7,000 strangers while trying to control his vacuum with a gamepad
PC Gamer
by Lincoln Carpenter February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A software engineer named Sammy Azdoufal accidentally gained control of over 7,000 robot vacuums worldwide while trying to connect his DJI Romo vacuum to a PS5 gamepad for gaming purposes. This security flaw occurred after Azdoufal used Claude Code, an AI framework, to analyze the traffic between his vacuum and DJI's servers. The analysis revealed that a backend permission validation issue in MQTT-based communication allowed unauthorized access to live video feeds, floor plans, and other data from strangers' homes across 24 countries.
DJI promptly addressed the issue by issuing a patch within days of the vulnerability being reported. However, Azdoufal noted that some security gaps remain unfixed. These vulnerabilities highlight critical concerns about IoT device security, especially as smart home devices increasingly integrate advanced features like cameras and microphones. The incident underscores the risks associated with internet-connected appliances and raises questions about why such functionalities are included in devices designed for basic tasks like cleaning.
This story is particularly relevant to gaming enthusiasts who often explore innovative ways to interact with technology, including using game controllers for non-gaming purposes. While Azdoufal successfully achieved his goal of controlling his vacuum with a DualSense controller, the broader implications of unsecured smart devices are unsettling. Previous incidents, such as hackers exploiting Ecovacs vacuums for surveillance and harassment, demonstrate that this issue is not isolated. As smart home technology continues to evolve, ensuring robust security measures becomes essential to protect users' privacy and prevent similar breaches.
The incident also raises philosophical questions about the necessity of advanced features in everyday devices
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/24/2026