Documented case of a robot killing a human

[Beltath_Sol Ro]

I hadn't been on the site for a few days, so, I just noticed this when I logged in today. This little bit of information about death at the hands of technology is misleading.

The worker violated safety policy and crossed safety bars to enter into the work space of a robot while it was on. The death itself was caused by a heart attack. And though it can be said that the worker probably wouldn't have suffered a heart attack had he not been pinned, it should be noted that he wasn't crushed in anyway, merely pinned.

Some "historical" accounts I found of this incident said he was pinned for 5 days. Actually he was found that day, and died 5 days later while in hospital.


For reference:

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/85-103.html

A review of the case in a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 12/84 circular about safety.

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00000505.htm

Little more detail, along with synopsis of medical examiner's report.

[Draggar]

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto,

[Sanna]

That's actually really interesting, despite that it's a touch dry to read.


I would say it's less of "a robot killing a human being" and more of "a human being (allowing oneself to be) killed by a robot". A sentence saying that a robot actually /did/ the killing of the human implies a certain level of... intent, sentience.

But even so, semantics aside, those are interesting links. Thanks.

-- Sanna