While technology continues to take the world by storm, the dangers associated with it also continue to rear its head. An industrial robot recently crushed a factory worker at a vegetable distribution and packaging plant, leading to his demise.
Although investigations into the case are ongoing, many believe the tragic incident is another mechanical error. However, the South Korean authorities think it isn’t, and it might be a human error. Consequently, the case is a major concern to the natives and has gained media attention.
Who is the Victim?
The victim is an unidentified worker in his 40s. Although his identity eludes the media, reports suggest he was an employee of a robotics company.
The unnamed robotics company reportedly sent the factory worker to the distribution center for agricultural produce in South Gyeongsang to examine the machine’s sensor. Unfortunately, the factory worker tragically passed while checking to see whether the machine was working correctly.
What Machine Malfunctioned?
The machine that malfunctioned, leading to the tragic demise of the middle-aged factory worker, was one of two pick-and-place robots used at the agricultural produce facility.
The distribution center uses the machines to package bell peppers and other vegetables exported to other Asian countries. While speaking to the press, South Korean authorities revealed that such devices are common in the country’s agricultural communities.
How Advanced Was the Robot?
The robot was not an advanced technology. Kang Jin-gi, head of the investigations department at Gosong, said, “It wasn’t an advanced, artificial intelligence-powered robot, but a machine that simply picks up boxes and puts them on pallets.”
In addition, he revealed that the cops were working with related agencies to determine whether the machine had technical defects. Also, the authorities are investigating if the device had safety issues before the incident occurred.
Could It Be a Human Error?
According to reports, the South Korean authorities also looked into the possibility of human error. They revealed that the robot company designed their sensors to identify boxes. However, security camera footage showed the man had moved near the robot with a box in his hands. Hence, this likely triggered the machine’s reaction.
“It’s clearly not a case where a robot confused a human with a box – this wasn’t a very sophisticated machine,” an official said.
What Happened to the Victim?
According to the officials in the southern county of Goseong, the machine, which was lifting boxes of peppers onto a pallet, grabbed the man with its arm and pushed him against the conveyor belt, crushing his face and chest.
Following the incident, people transferred the victim to the hospital. However, the man succumbed to head and chest injuries and passed, according to the South Korean Yonhap news agency.
What Do the South Korean Authorities Think?
After the tragic demise of the factory worker, the authorities are now preparing to launch an investigation. They plan to investigate the site’s safety managers and look into the matter for possible negligence in duties.
In addition, an official from the Donggoseong Export Agricultural Complex, which owns the plant, called for establishing a “precise and safe” system in a statement after the incident.
Has South Korea Experienced Such Cases Before?
Aside from the distribution center’s accident, South Korea has had other safety accidents involving industrial robots in recent years. In March 2023, a manufacturing robot crushed a worker examining it at an auto parts factory in Gunsan.
In addition, in 2022, a robot installed near a conveyor belt fatally crushed a worker at a milk factory in Pyeongtaek. Hence, the authorities are looking to prevent such cases in the future.
How Often Do South Korean Companies Use Industrial Robots?
According to reports, South Korea had 1,000 industrial robots per 10,000 employees in 2021. Also, the International Federation of Robotics reported that South Korea had the highest robot density in the world and more than three times that of China that same year.
Many companies in the country use industrial robots at their manufacturing plants, including electronics, auto-making, and agricultural production facilities.
Russia Has Had a Similar Accident
In July 2022, footage emerged of a chess-playing android breaking a child’s finger during a match in Russia. The chess robot grabbed the seven-year-old boy’s finger at the Moscow Open “because it was confused by his quick movements,” Russian media outlets reported.
The vice president of the Russian Chess Federation, Sergey Lazarev, said the child had violated “certain safety rules” by making a move too soon.
What Does This Mean for the Future of Technology?
While robots have proved to be an essential technology in human advancement, they can also malfunction. Robots can malfunction for various reasons, including human error, control panel problems, mechanical failures, power disruption, or environmental factors. Unfortunately, these malfunctions can cause human injury.
However, if properly managed, robots and automation increase productivity, lower production costs, and create new jobs in the tech sector.
Humans or Robots?
Besides being precise and consistent, robots can work in any environment, adding flexibility. In addition, Robots can operate in hazardous environments, eliminating dangerous jobs for humans.
Also, Robots can handle lifting heavy loads, toxic substances, and repetitive tasks. However, it is crucial to consider the broader impacts of this shift. As robots take on more work, some jobs may become obsolete.
Can Robots and Humans Work Together?
As seen today, robots and humans can work together impeccably. While robots take over the repetitive and tedious work, humans focus on the critical tasks. Unlike humans, robots are much faster, saving time and checking for quality assurance.
Hence, robots and humans work best when they work together. Robots handle monotonous, dangerous work requiring a high level of precision. On the other hand, humans can handle the decision-making, brainstorming, troubleshooting, and other tactile work.
