Man Attacked by Robot Sues

This is a real warning on the fact that we rely way too much on machines created to work for us, forgetting that even them can “have a bad day,” so to say. Although no criminal intent is involved in this case, I'm sure that immediately after having read the title, you recalled some pretty bad science fiction movies where humans had to fight against robotic evil forces that were trying to take over the world as we know it. Well, I hope this incident isn't the sign that robots are planning a riot, at least not yet.

The story goes like this: in June 2007, a Swedish industrial worker at a factory in Balsta, north of Stockholm, was taking a look at a malfunctioning robotic machine, used for lifting heavy stones. He was an experienced worker and thought he assured himself by cutting the power to the machine; however, it appears that he actually failed to turn it off. When he tried to fix the robot, it was active and grabbed him by the head and lifted him up, probably mistaking him for a bigger rock. After some serious shaking, the man managed to escape by “defending himself.” He ended up with some pretty bad injuries and four broken ribs, but was happy to be alive.

Now, two years later, he won the lawsuit against the company that owned the “violent” robot. The firm was held responsible for the attack and forced to pay damage compensation of about $3,000 (25,000 Swedish kronor), considered to be a small amount taking into account the circumstances.

The lawsuit was a premiere in Sweden. "I have never heard of a robot who beat a man in this way," said prosecutor Leif Johansson. "The man was very lucky. He had four broken ribs and was almost killed," he added.