Startup Tests Robots in Airbnb Rentals Without Owners' Consent

San Francisco-based startup The Bot Company, led by former Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt, has drawn scrutiny following a series of incidents involving Airbnb rentals. Property owners report extensive damage after stays by "guests" who were actually company employees secretly testing robots in real-world conditions.

One affected host, Sean Donovan, discovered signs of testing in his rental: damaged furniture, broken dishes, malfunctioning appliances, and even a missing shoe rack. Security cameras captured large black cases of equipment being brought into the home regularly. Upon further investigation, Donovan found that other hosts in the area had experienced similar issues.

The Bot Company, which has raised $150 million in funding, has yet to release a public product but aims to develop a home assistant robot. Instead of using specialized labs, the startup tests in rented apartments without informing owners, leading to property damage and deception. Such practices may violate legal regulations.

Donovan has filed a lawsuit against the company, seeking compensation for damages and lost income. He stated that if the startup had disclosed its intentions upfront, an agreement could have been reached. Now, hosts are left to resolve the fallout in court, while Airbnb refuses to cover losses, citing platform policies.