It would absolutely make sense. However, my guess if the story is true would be that one (simpler, cheaper) device caused damage to other, more expensive equipm

It would absolutely make sense. However, my guess if the story is true would be that one (simpler, cheaper) device caused damage to other, more expensive equipment, in a way that was not foreseen. (Another similar scenario: A software controlled pump not stopping like it should, causing an entire lab bench to be flooded with corrosive liquid). Unfortunately non-software guys often have a lack of appreciation for how subtle some software bugs can be. Re. the mentioned Therac-25 incident in this thread.