Sharp welding sticks jutting out of the robotic arm of a machine pierced a worker killing him at a factory in India recently, according to a report.

 

The victim, Ramji Lal, worked as a loader for SKH Metals, an auto ancillary company, at the Industrial Model Township (IMT) Manesar, said the Times of India report.

 

He worked at the welding unit that has special-purpose machines and robotic welding lines, it said.

 

"The robot is pre-programmed to weld metal sheets it lifts. One such sheet got dislodged and Lal reached from behind the machine to adjust it. This was when welding sticks attached to the pre-programmed device pierced Lal's abdomen," a co-worker was quoted as saying.

 

Another shop floor colleague claimed that had Lal approached the robot from the front and hadn't stooped to adjust the sheet, the accident wouldnot have happened.

 

The preliminary investigation showed the victim got too close to the robot and was trapped. The robotic arm went through him and he died on the spot, police said. 

 

"We are looking at CCTV footage and gathering information from workers and the company," a police officer was quoted as saying.