Amazon robot accident hospitalises 24 workers
A can of bear repellent torn open by a robot at an Amazon warehouse in New Jersey, USA, resulted in one person having to be sent to intensive care and another two dozen employees sent to hospital. The official investigation into the incident revealed that 'an automated machine accidentally punctured a 9-ounce bear repellent can, releasing concentrated Capsaican.' Capsaicin is the major ingredient in pepper spray. Whilst Amazon employees are not unionised, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said 'Amazon's automated robots put humans in life-threatening danger today, the effects of which could be catastrophic and the long-term effects for 80 plus workers are unknown.' System 🤖 Unknown Operator: Amazon Developer: Amazon Country: U SA Sector: Transport/logistics Purpose: Move inventory Technology: Robotics Issue: Accuracy/reliability; Safety
- Date it happened
- 2018-12-01
- Organisation involved
- Amazon
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