In a recent development, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has strongly criticized a media report claiming that a robot at the Giga Texas facility attacked an employee, causing injuries. Musk, dismissing the report as shameful, emphasized that the incident occurred two years ago and involved a Kuka robot—a commonly used industrial robot programmed for specific tasks.
Daily Mail’s Sensational Report
The contentious report, featured by the Daily Mail under the headline “Tesla robot ATTACKS an engineer at the company’s Texas factory during violent malfunction – leaving ‘trail of blood’ and forcing workers to hit emergency shutdown button,” drew criticism for potentially misleading readers. The publication’s use of a photo featuring Elon Musk and Tesla’s Optimus humanoid robot added to the confusion, creating the impression that the humanoid robot was responsible for the alleged attack.
Elon Musk’s Clarification on Social Media
Musk, expressing his frustration on his preferred social media platform, X, stated, “Truly shameful of the media to dredge up an injury from two years ago due to a simple industrial Kuka robot arm (found in all factories) and imply that it is due to Optimus now.”
Incident Details and Correction
Elon Musk’s correction holds merit, as the incident did indeed take place in 2021, and it involved a standard industrial Kuka robot. The report, originally from an article by The Information, authored by Becky Peterson in November, was criticized for using the term “attack” in a way that implied robotic sentience. Peterson clarified her usage, stating, “I see your point in this context, though I think attack can be used for non-sentient subjects (rust attacked the metal). I used the word as shorthand in tweets, though not in the story, which looks in depth at systemic issues with Tesla’s safety culture, not robot sentience.”
Conclusion
Elon Musk’s rebuke of the misleading report sheds light on the importance of accurate and responsible journalism, particularly when covering incidents involving advanced technologies. The incident, which occurred two years ago, involved a standard industrial robot and has been sensationalized, leading to unwarranted concerns about the safety of Tesla’s robotic systems.
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SOURCE : TESLARATI
FAQs
When did the alleged robot incident at Giga Texas occur?
The incident took place two years ago in 2021. It’s crucial to note that the report has resurfaced, prompting Elon Musk’s recent clarification and criticism.
Which specific robot was involved in the incident according to Elon Musk?
Elon Musk clarified that the incident did not involve Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus, as suggested by media reports. Instead, it was a standard industrial robot known as a Kuka robot.
What prompted Elon Musk’s criticism of the media report?
Elon Musk expressed his frustration with what he deemed as sensationalism by the media. He specifically denounced the implication that the incident was linked to Optimus, emphasizing that it was a simple Kuka robot malfunction.
Why did the Daily Mail’s report draw criticism?
The report by the Daily Mail faced backlash for its sensational headline and the use of a photo featuring Elon Musk and Optimus. Critics argue that the portrayal may mislead readers into thinking the humanoid robot was responsible for the alleged attack.
What was the role of The Information in this incident?
The Daily Mail’s report was based on an article from The Information, authored by Becky Peterson. While Peterson’s article explored systemic safety issues at Tesla, the criticism centered on the use of the term “attack” and its potential to imply robotic sentience, a claim she clarified on social media.