So we all know AI/robotic technology is the wave of the IT service and tech future. We may not like it, but we can’t deny it either. We also know it has severe setbacks; an Amazon warehouse is finding that out the hard way. Amazon robot goes wild: Should this shock us?
This all happened at an Amazon warehouse in Robbinsville, New Jersey, about 40 miles northeast of Philadelphia, PA. A robot accidentally opened a can of bear repellent. This nine ounce can had?Capsaican, a powerful poison they use in mace and pepper spray. So as you can imagine, the fumes the employees breathed in were pretty powerful.
They sent 24 workers to local hospitals. In fact, one employee ended up in critical condition. They immediately sent fire and paramedics to the scene. Also, they treated another 30 employees right there in the warehouse. However, there is some good news. They treated and released most of the injured within 24 hours. Then, they were able to give the all clear to the warehouse so it could restart it’s activities. Amazon released a statement about this incident. They thanked the first responders for their quick action and told the public that safety was Amazon’s first concern.
Like I said, thankfully, there were no fatalities and only one major injury. This could be a lot worse. But this does raise questions about robot safety in workplaces. It did for the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Their leader said, “Amazon’s automated robots put humans in life-threatening danger today.”. Then he called out Amazon for continuing dangerous labor practices. Well, Amazon certainly got lucky this time. But this isn’t the first time people got hurt while working for the world’s richest corporation. That is a fact. Does Amazon hold so much power that governments and media are too scared to investigate? That’s even scarier. Amazon robot goes wild. Should this shock us?