First Human Killed By A Robot
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27 August 2024
The first known incident of a human being killed by a robot is a significant event in the history of robotics and automation
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The first known human death caused by a robot occurred on January 25, 1979
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The incident took place at a Ford Motor Company casting plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, USA
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The victim was Robert Nicholas Williams, a 25-year-old factory worker employed by Ford
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The robot involved in the incident was a one-ton industrial robot, designed to retrieve parts from storage
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Williams entered the robot's work area because the robot was operating too slowly, and he intended to manually retrieve parts
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As he approached the machine, the robot sprung into motion. The machine's arm struck Williams on the head, killing him instantly
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The robot kept on working, but Williams lay there dead for 30 minutes before his body would be found by concerned co-workers
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Williams' family sued the robot's manufacturer, Litton Industries, and won a wrongful death lawsuit, receiving $10 million in damages
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The incident led to increased awareness about the importance of safety protocols and the need for better integration of safety systems in robotic environments
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