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Tesla engineer attacked by robot, reigniting debate over automation safety. With artificial intelligence on the rise, how safe are we?
The unexpected attack by a robot on one of the largest electric car factories in the world surprises everyone. An engineer from Tesla, a car manufacturing company, Elon Musk, was involved in a shocking incident that raises serious concerns about the control of intelligent machines.
What seemed like a normal day at work at Tesla's Austin, Texas facility quickly turned into a nightmare, putting the safety of employees working alongside these groundbreaking technologies at risk.
According to a a recently revealed report, the engineer was attacked by one of the robots that were supposed to be inactive for maintenance. The incident is a warning sign in a scenario in which machines are increasingly present in the workplace. But after all, are we ready to deal with these new risks?
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This case occurred in 2021, but it only came to light recently, when Tesla, forced by US regulations, shared disturbing details of the event with authorities. Now, we look back at this unsettling episode to reflect on the growing dangers that automation and artificial intelligence may pose in the future.
How it all happened
According to documents, the robot involved in the incident was one of three responsible for cutting newly cast aluminum parts.
Two of the robots were shut down for maintenance, but one of them remained working without anyone noticing. When the engineer approached, believing the machine to be inactive, he was surprised by an attack.
The robot, programmed to perform repetitive and precise movements, ended up immobilizing the engineer by sticking its metal claws into his body.
The attack left the victim with injuries to his back and one of his arms., causing great commotion in the factory. Witnesses described the scene as “a trail of blood on the floor”, reinforcing the dramatic impact of the incident.
The reaction and the rescue
The engineer, while trying to free himself from the machine's grip, received help from another employee, who quickly pressed the emergency button to turn off the robot.
However, the situation became even worse when the engineer fell into a scrap metal collection chute, rolling a few meters and suffering new injuries..
Despite the cuts and bleeding, the employee did not request medical leave and continued working. This detail shocked many, raising questions about the pressures faced by workers in automated environments.
Tesla and the issue of security
Tesla's Texas factory was already the target of criticism before this incident, with high rates of workplace accidents. Compared to other industries in the United States, the automaker presents above average injury rates, which raises an alert about the working conditions at the site.
While Elon Musk's company has not commented publicly on the case so far, workplace safety experts question whether conditions in Texas are adequate to support increasing automation.
Artificial intelligence in control?
This recalled incident raises an even broader question: how safe are artificial intelligence and mass automation for humans?
The reliance on robots programmed for repetitive but potentially dangerous tasks highlights the need for stricter regulations and safety systems that truly ensure the well-being of all.
With the advancement of artificial intelligence and the increased use of robots in factories, are we prepared for the challenges that lie ahead? Technology is advancing at a rapid pace, but are we following this progress with due caution?
What does the future hold for us?
Revisiting this disturbing episode, it becomes clear that the interaction between humans and machines still needs a lot of adjustments. Do you think the danger of a robot uprising is real? Are we prepared to deal with out-of-control intelligent machines?
