A Tesla software engineer finds themselves in the middle of a high-tech ordeal when the robot’s unexpected actions land them in a terrifying encounter instead of carrying out instructions. The unprecedented incident sheds light on the human-robot collaboration challenges facing the automotive company.
Tesla Software Engineers Face Unexpected Events When Robots Go Rogue
The engineer was reportedly involved in the programming software that controlled a robot tasked with cutting car parts from freshly cast aluminum sheets. According to witnesses, while two robots were deliberately disabled for maintenance, a third robot was accidentally left operating, leading to the attack.
The engineer allegedly suffered a “cut, cut or open wound” on his left hand during the robot’s unexpected attack. The incident reportedly came to light through an injury report obtained by Information submitted to federal officials and health authorities in Travis County.
Sources described the horrific scene, telling 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 arms. Despite the severe injury, he did not take time off from work. The electric car maker is also reported to remain tight-lipped on the matter, refusing to comment.
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The incident highlights safety concerns at Giga’s Texas plant, with a report submitted to the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration revealing that nearly one in 21 workers suffered an injury last year.
Meanwhile, according to the outlet, current and former Tesla employees from the factory revealed to Information that the company routinely takes shortcuts in construction, maintenance and operations, exposing them to potential risks.
Management’s drive for rapid production is cited as a contributing factor to safety lapses. Incidents include heavy machinery, such as cranes, steel beams, and air conditioning ducts, falling near workers on a car production line.
A review of records revealed cases where workers became ill from exposure to toxins such as ammonia. At the same time, last summer, a worker’s ankle was reportedly trapped under a moving car.
This, unfortunately, resulted in an absence of work for over four months. Subsequently, another worker suffered a head injury from a metal object, resulting in an 85-day absence.
Additionally, in January 2023, an incident occurred when water was accidentally submerged in molten aluminum used in the underbody casting area of the Model Y. It led to an explosion that reportedly resembled a “sonic boom,” sending a fireball into the air and causing workers to flee self in fear.
Autopilot woes: Tesla Pulls Majority of Vehicles From US Roads Amid System Glitch
In response to growing safety concerns surrounding its Autopilot system, Tesla announced a recall of nearly all 2 million vehicles on US roads.
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The move comes after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) expressed reservations about the functionality of Tesla’s driver assistance features, including Autopilot and “Full Self Driving.”
Although the automotive company claims that this system improves safety, NHTSA’s investigation, which spanned more than two years, revealed approximately 1,000 accidents involving the Autopilot and Autosteer functions.
Regulators argued that Tesla’s self-driving software would instill a false sense of security, causing drivers to abuse the feature when the technology could not safely navigate the road without their input.
Tesla responded to NHTSA’s findings by agreeing to a significant software update and initiating a recall on December 12. According to the organization’s investigation:
“In certain circumstances when Autosteer is used, the prominence and scope of feature controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver abuse [of the feature.]”
They emphasize that when Autosteer is engaged, and controls are inadequate, “there may be an increased risk of an accident.” The over-the-air software update aims to improve Tesla’s car monitoring system, especially when Autopilot’s “Autosteer” function is activated.
Drivers will receive more frequent warnings to pay attention to the road, keeping their hands on the wheel. NHTSA emphasized that the update aims to prevent abuse of the Autopilot feature by closely monitoring the driver’s attention level.
If the driver consistently ignores prompts to focus on the road, the system may disengage the Autopilot feature. Additionally, this feature will automatically turn off near traffic controls or on highways where driver input is critical for safe operation.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
