A factory robot reportedly used to carry out several tasks during mechanical operations malfunctioned during production reportedly grabbed a man, crushing him to death.
According to the German news agency, DPA, a 22 year old contractor who works at one of Volkswagen’s production plants in Germany met his untimely death in the hands of a robot in the company's factory after malfunctioning.
The young man passed away at the plant in Baunatal, about 100km (62 miles) north of Frankfurt, according to the spokesperson of the company, VW Heiko Hillwig. The deceased was part of the team of engineers setting up the stationary robot. The unexpected happened when the robot grabbed him and smashed him on a metal plate which lead to his death.
He said initial conclusions indicate that human error was to blame, rather than a problem with the robot, which can be programmed to perform various tasks in the assembly process. He said it normally operates within a confined area at the plant, grabbing auto parts and manipulating them.
Investigations have been launched into the issue by German prosecutors for the purpose of possible charges.