Airbnb host sues robotics startup The Bot Company over alleged damage during robot testing
An Airbnb host is suing San Francisco robotics startup The Bot Company for over $12,000 in damages, alleging that its employees trashed his home while testing robotic prototypes. The lawsuit, filed on May 26, 2026, by Sean Donovan in San Francisco Superior Court, claims extensive damage including paint and floor damage, broken furniture, and missing items. Donovan discovered bundles of wires and a 6-foot-tall robot resembling a Roomba with treads during the guests' stay. Over 30 people came and went during the two-week rental in April, with conversations about taking shifts captured on his Ring camera. The lawsuit describes a missing shoe rack and shoes as "potentially a criminal matter." The case was first reported by SFGate.
Key facts
- Lawsuit filed May 26, 2026
- Plaintiff Sean Donovan seeking more than $12,000 in damages
- Defendant: The Bot Company, a Bay Area robotics startup
- Incident occurred during a two-week Airbnb rental in April 2026
- Property was Donovan's former childhood home
- Damage includes paint, floor, kitchen doorframe, dishwasher, water damage, scratches on furniture, broken laser cut art, and antique dining table
- Guests left bundles of wires and a 6-foot-tall robot with treads
- Missing items include a shoe rack and shoes from a locked closet
Entities
Institutions
- The Bot Company
- Airbnb
- SFGate
- San Francisco Superior Court
Locations
- San Francisco
- United States
- Bay Area