Not so smart: laser can hack voice command device

3 Likes

Eh, despite the physical reach of lasers (110m or 360’ per Ars Technica), the precision targeting all but guarantees you need physical access to pull off this exploit.

But really, granting voice assistants 24/7 carte blanche to record your surroundings and giving in to Star Trek fantasies of running your world with voice commands is asking for trouble in today’s user as product world and the dismal realities of online security - far more powerful reasons to be wary of the technology.

3 Likes

Back in the days of ArduPilot hardware I remember problems with bright light (like the sun) and barometers used on the boards. Apparently it’s a problem for some microphones too. :thinking:

1 Like

Might a drone platform be made stable enough to do this?

Was that a problem with light or heating?

Most definitely light.

1 Like

Doubtful. And even if it is, cost/benefit ratio is pretty terrible.

Some PN junctions, diodes, in clear glass packages were light sensitive. Light would cause them to conduct. If you could find the diode that was causing the problem you could paint the diode and fix the problem. I suspect that the laser is causing the same effect with the added complication of greater concentration of power.

Russell Ward