A San Francisco homeowner has filed a lawsuit seeking over $12,000 in damages after a multi-billion-dollar robotics start-up allegedly caused extensive damage to his Airbnb rental.

The case, lodged in San Francisco County Superior Court, claims that the start-up, valued at $2 billion, booked the property under false pretences, presenting themselves as remote workers from Thailand.

During their two-week stay, the company reportedly conducted unauthorised research and development, including testing a robotic prototype and filming for commercial purposes.

Homeowner Sean Donovan alleges that more than 30 people accessed the property without permission and that damage was inflicted on appliances, furniture, and paintwork, with some personal property missing.Donovan also highlighted that the start-up ignored legitimate commercial rental options he offers, which can fetch $200–$300 per hour.The firm, led by Kyle Vogt, who previously founded the robotaxi company Cruise, aims to develop robots that assist with household chores.At least a dozen other Airbnb hosts have reportedly had negative experiences linked to the same group of renters.

Donovan’s account illustrates concerns around misuse of short-term rental properties for commercial experimentation and the resultant impact on homeowners.