By: Darshini Dayanidhi
When artificial intelligence technology was originally launched, it was met with significant opposition. Opponents said that this new technology could turn against its human developers in the future. Others thought that this idea fit squarely in the realm of science fiction movies, claiming that if mankind got together as a global community, we could successfully regulate AI. However, recent news suggests that those who dreaded robots taking over the world as a potential reality may be correct, much to the horror of many. Rogue AI robot actions are becoming more common, and substantial numbers of individuals are alarmed.
A brutal malfunction at Tesla’s Giga Texas factory near Austin ended up with an engineer being attacked by the company’s robot. The record shows that two other employees watched in horror as their colleague was attacked by the machine specifically designed to handle aluminum car parts. The robot supposedly dug its metal claws into the worker’s back and arm after pinning him, leaving a “trail of blood” along the factory floor. The victim survived with an “open wound” on his left hand. While the engineer struggled to break free of the machine, another worker hit the emergency ‘stop’ button to end the attack.
This accident was revealed in a 2021 injury report filed to Travis County and federal regulators, but this information was only recently made aware to the public. While Tesla reported no further robot-related injuries to authorities at the Texas facility from 2021 to 2023, the accident comes amidst a period of rising anxiety about the hazards of autonomous robots in the workplace. This news has prompted many to cast doubt on the rapid adoption of the new technology.
Tesla has a legal obligation to submit the injury report to authorities to maintain its highly profitable tax breaks in Texas. However, what enraged the rest of Tesla’s employees was the fact that the company claimed the engineer did not require time off of work despite sustaining an open wound on his hand and a significant amount of blood loss.
On the other hand, an attorney who represents Tesla’s Giga Texas contract workers has told “The Daily Mail” that according to what she had learned from conversing with the workers, the amount of injuries sustained at the facility was being underreported and purposely hidden to try to protect Tesla’s reputation.
Furthermore, Elon Musk has now commented, stating that the information surrounding the incident is inaccurate, “Truly shameful of the media to dredge up an injury from two years ago due to a simple industrial Kuka robot arm (found in all factories) and imply that it is due to Optimus now.”
Irrespective of whether robots behave erratically or not, prioritizing individuals’ safety and remaining informed of the possible threats of artificial intelligence (AI) technology is critical. As we accept technological breakthroughs, we must find a balance between enjoying the advantages and protecting ourselves from any hazards.
