A San Francisco homeowner has filed a lawsuit against The Bot Company, claiming that workers from the robotics startup booked his Airbnb with an ordinary business-travel explanation but allegedly used the property for testing machines designed to handle household chores.
According to reports, the reservation appeared routine at first. The guests reportedly said that eight coworkers needed a place in the Bay Area with dependable Wi-Fi while traveling for work. The situation later raised suspicion when the homeowner, Sean Donovan, said his Ring camera showed individuals carrying large black cases into the residence. He also alleged that the home’s security system was turned off that same evening.
Mr. Donovan said that two days later, he visited the property to take out the trash and found signs that the house may have been repurposed. He reportedly saw black cables taped along the walls and observed a man working on a laptop beside what seemed to be a robot.
After the 11-day stay ended, the homeowner claimed the property had been left with multiple forms of damage and disruption. He alleged that dishes and glasses had been rearranged, appliances were scratched, dishwasher racks were bent and removed, furniture had been stained, bathroom tiles were chipped, and shoes were missing from a locked closet.
The lawsuit seeks $12,383.50 in damages as well as lost income that Mr. Donovan says he could have earned if the home had been booked properly for commercial purposes rather than as a standard short-term rental.
The Bot Company did not provide a response to the reported request for comment.
