A multi-billion-dollar robotics start-up is being sued by an Airbnb host after allegedly trashing his San Francisco home while testing a prototype robot. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, seeks more than $12,000 in damages.
The homeowner, Sean Donovan, claims The Bot Company booked his four-bedroom property in the Portola neighbourhood under false pretences for a two-week stay in April. The company, reportedly valued at $2 billion, is accused of conducting unauthorised commercial research and development, including robotic prototype testing and filming.
According to the suit, more than 30 individuals accessed the property during the rental period without authorisation. The alleged damage includes paint and floor damage, scratches to furniture and appliances, missing personal property, and unauthorised entry into a locked closet.
Donovan told SFGate that the guests initially claimed to be remote workers from Thailand. He became suspicious when he visited the home to collect rubbish and found bundles of wires and a man typing on a laptop next to a machine he likened to a cyborg from Star Trek.
The Bot Company, led by former Cruise founder Kyle Vogt, aims to build robots that assist with household tasks. At least 12 other Airbnb hosts have left negative reviews about renters connected to Donovan's booking, according to The San Francisco Standard.
