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24 Amazon Workers Sent To Hospital After Robot Accidentally Unleashes Bear Spray

Joe_Dragon shares a report from ABC News: Twenty-four Amazon workers in New Jersey have been hospitalized after a robot accidentally tore a can of bear repellent spray in a warehouse, officials said. The two dozen workers were treated at five local hospitals, Robbinsville Township communications and public information officer John Nalbone told ABC News. One remains in critical condition and 30 additional workers were treated at the scene. The official investigation revealed "an automated machine accidentally punctured a 9-ounce bear repellent can, releasing concentrated Capsaican," Nalbone said. Capsaican is the major ingredient in pepper spray. The fulfillment center was given the all clear by Wednesday evening. "All of the impacted employees have been or are expected to be released from hospital within the next 24 hours. The safety of our employees is always our top priority and a full investigation is already underway. We'd like to thank all of the first responders who helped with today's incident," Amazon said in a statement Wednesday night.

3 of 221 comments (clear)

  1. Good news! by Gravis+Zero · · Score: 4, Funny

    None of the workers are said to have been attacked by bears! ;)

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    Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
  2. Unbearable by SomewhatRandom · · Score: 5, Funny

    The workers can bearly stand the grizzly working conditions.

    I apologize to slashdot readers in advance, and will see myself out.

  3. Re:I for one welcome... by Oswald+McWeany · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yeah, but with the worker it would be an accident. The robot is really probing for weaknesses. This is how it begins.

    They're seeing how we react. First it's mace. Then it's accidentally driving a Waymo into a farmers market. It won't be long until robots are launching nuclear weapons... we'll all be dead before we realize it wasn't bugs- it was sentient AI killing us all. /true story

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    "That's the way to do it" - Punch