Robot Safety Concerns Rise After Viral Incidents of Harm to Humans

Viral videos depicting robots kicking children and dancing out of control have drawn attention to a critical safety issue for manufacturers: how to deploy machines in warehouses without harming people.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a series of robot 'incidents' is forcing developers to enhance safety mechanisms, which in turn is delaying widespread adoption. Some companies have already reported severe injuries and even fatalities involving humanoid robots.

Michelle Silva of Reynolds & Moore, who designs functional safety for robots, described a basic threat: "If a humanoid robot loses power, it can fall and crush you."