Tesla Software Engineer Mauled By Robot At Texas Factory

A Tesla software engineer found themselves amid a high-tech ordeal when a robot's unexpected actions left them in a harrowing encounter instead of executing commands. The unprecedented incident sheds light on the human-robot collaboration challenges faced by the automotive company. 

The engineer was reportedly involved in programming software that controlled robots tasked with cutting car parts from freshly cast aluminum pieces. According to witnesses, while two robots were intentionally disabled for maintenance, a third robot was inadvertently left operational, leading to the attack that occurred.

The engineer allegedly suffered a "laceration, cut or open wound" on his left hand during the robot's unexpected assault. The incident reportedly came to light through an injury report obtained by the Information submitted to federal officials and health authorities in Travis County.

Sources described the harrowing scene, recounting how the robot pinned the engineer and left a trail of blood on the factory floor with its metal claws sinking into his back and arm. Despite the severity of the injury, he did not take time off from work. The electric car maker's factory also reportedly remained tight-lipped on the matter, declining to comment.

The incident highlighted safety worries at the Giga Texas factory, with reports submitted to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealing that almost one in 21 workers faced injuries last year.

Meanwhile, according to the outlet, current and former Tesla workers from the factory disclosed to the Information that the company routinely took shortcuts in construction, maintenance, and operations, exposing them to potential risks. 

Management's push for rapid production was cited as a factor contributing to safety lapses. Incidents included heavy machinery, such as a crane, steel beam, and air conditioning duct, falling near workers on car production lines. 

Reviews of records unveiled cases where workers fell ill due to exposure to toxins like ammonia. At the same time, last summer, an employee's ankle reportedly became trapped under a moving cart. 

This, unfortunately, led to a work absence of over four months. Subsequently, another worker endured a head injury from a metal object, resulting in an 85-day absence. 

Additionally, in January 2023, an incident occurred where water was accidentally submerged in molten aluminum used in the Model Y underbody castings area. It led to a reported explosion resembling a "sonic boom," sending a ball of fire into the air and causing employees to flee in terror.

In response to escalating safety concerns surrounding its Autopilot system, Tesla announced a recall of nearly all 2 million vehicles on US roads.

The move comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressed reservations about the functionality of Tesla's driver-assist features, including Autopilot and "Full Self Driving."

Despite the automotive company's claims that these systems enhance safety, the NHTSA's investigation, spanning over two years, revealed approximately 1,000 crashes involving Autopilot and Autosteer functions. 

The regulatory body argued that Tesla's self-driving software would instill a false sense of security, leading drivers to misuse these features when the technology could not navigate the road safely without their input.

Tesla responded to the NHTSA's findings by agreeing to a crucial software update and commencing the recall on December 12. According to the organization's investigation:

"In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse [of the feature.]"

They emphasized that when Autosteer was engaged, and controls were insufficient, "there may be an increased risk of a crash." The over-the-air software update aimed to enhance the monitoring system of Tesla's cars, particularly when the Autopilot's "Autosteer" function is engaged. 

Drivers would receive more frequent warnings to pay attention to the road, ensuring their hands remained on the wheel. The NHTSA emphasized that the update aimed to prevent misuse of Autopilot features by closely monitoring the driver's attention level.

If drivers consistently ignore prompts to focus on the road, the system may disengage the Autopilot feature. Additionally, the feature would automatically turn off near traffic controls or on highways where the driver's input was essential for safe operation.