8legs: The bot company

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A robot startup is wreaking havoc on short-term rentals in San Francisco — Airbnb hosts allege 'guests' secretly tested robots indoors, left the units completely trashed

A San Francisco startup is accused of secretly testing robots in Airbnb rentals, leaving units damaged and cluttered.
Host Sean Donovan is suing for damages and lost income tied to a 11-night booking that turned into a damage case.
The Bot Company has not publicly responded to the allegations as investigations unfold.
The startup is led by Kyle Vogt, known for Cruise and Justin.tv, but it has no public product yet.
Hosts say large black cases and testing equipment were moved in and out during guest stays.
The alleged testing occurred in multiple properties, suggesting a broader pattern.
The piece cites a pattern of damage including stained furniture, damaged appliances, and vandalized rooms.
Airbnb reportedly rejected the hosts' damage claims in one cited case.
The article frames the testing as potentially illegal and possibly fraudulent inducement.
The story connects the allegations to broader tech industry coverage and local testimony.

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