This information comes from a speech by a DHS official at a border security conference, as reported by 404 Media. Additionally, DHS has constructed an "Internet of Things" house to train officers to raid homes potentially booby-trapped with smart devices.

NEO is a modified version of the Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Q-UGV) sold by Ghost Robotics. Benjamine Huffman, director of DHS's Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), expressed concerns about criminals using IoT devices as booby traps. NEO enables DHS to disable home networks during raids remotely.

The Border Security Expo, where this information was shared, is exclusive to law enforcement and defence contractors. The Electronic Frontier Foundation's Dave Maass obtained the speech transcript through a Freedom of Information Act request and shared it with 404 Media.

Ghost Robotics' Vision 60 Q-UGV, the base model for NEO, is marketed to law enforcement and the military, with over 25 national security customers. The company aims to make Q-UGVs indispensable tools, enhancing their ability to navigate complex environments. The ultimate goal is to keep warfighters, workers, and K9s safe.

NEO can enter dangerous environments, providing video and audio feedback to officers before they enter. It also allows communication with individuals inside. NEO's onboard computer and antenna array enable officers to create a denial-of-service (DoS) event, disabling IoT devices that could pose a threat during entry.