So, was this a mistake... an accident?
Or did this robot get confused regarding the timing of the robot uprising?
An Amazon robot tore open a can of bear repellant at the company's New Jersey warehouse on Wednesday, hospitalizing 24 workers. One employee is in critical condition, according to ABC News, while 30 others were treated on the scene. The 1.3-million-square-foot Amazon fulfilment center in the town of Robbinsville, New Jersey, employs more than 3,000 people.
A preliminary investigation determined that the bear repellant, which is like pepper spray for aggressive or charging bears, fell off a shelf. But a spokesperson for Robbinsville Township further clarified that an automated machine punctured the 9-ounce can, releasing its toxic fumes. Amazon sells different types of bear repellant on its online shopping site.
In a statement released Wednesday evening, Amazon said that all of the sick employees were "expected to be released from the hospital within the next 24 hours." It added: "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 workers hospitalized after warehouse robot releases bear repellent