Tesla technician sues for 51M after FANUC robot arm knocked him unconscious at Fremont factory
[INJURY]Jul 22, 2023 · Tesla · Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) · Orlando, Florida, USA
Failure Mode
INJURY
Event Date
Jul 22, 2023
Primary Entity
Tesla
Robotic Platform
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS)
Jurisdiction / Location
Orlando, Florida, USA
Audit Standard
Physical State Verified
Incident Abstract & Audit Findings
Peter Hinterdobler, a 50-year-old robotics technician at Teslas Fremont factory, was knocked unconscious and seriously injured when a FANUC robot arm released during disassembly, propelled by mechanical power and an 8,000-pound counterbalance weight. He has incurred approximately 1M in medical expenses with 6M more needed. He sued Tesla and FANUC for 51M in damages, alleging Tesla failed to ensure the robot was safely de-energized before disassembly work.
System & Fleet Architecture
Operating Manufacturer
Hardware Platform
Operational Sectors
Primary Sources & Evidentiary Filings
- Inspect Filing
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/tesla-technician-robot-lawsuit-21067323.php
https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/tesla-technician-robot-lawsuit-21067323.php
- Inspect Filing
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.html
https://www.osha.gov/ords/imis/accidentsearch.html
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Details
Incident Context & FAQ
What happened in Tesla technician sues for 51M after FANUC robot arm knocked him unconscious at Fremont factory?
Peter Hinterdobler, a 50-year-old robotics technician at Teslas Fremont factory, was knocked unconscious and seriously injured when a FANUC robot arm released during disassembly, propelled by mechanical power and an 8,000-pound counterbalance weight. He has incurred approximately 1M in medical expenses with 6M more needed. He sued Tesla and FANUC for 51M in damages, alleging Tesla failed to ensure the robot was safely de-energized before disassembly work.
When did this incident occur?
The incident is recorded as occurring on July 22, 2023 on the DEPLOY registry. The date reflects the underlying real-world event, not the registry record's creation date.
What robot was involved in Tesla technician sues for 51M after FANUC robot arm knocked him unconscious at Fremont factory?
Tesla Robotaxi (Model Y ADS) by Tesla is the recorded robot involved in this incident at Orlando, Florida, USA.
Has anyone responded to Tesla technician sues for 51M after FANUC robot arm knocked him unconscious at Fremont factory?
No responses to this incident are recorded on the DEPLOY registry. Operators, manufacturers, or affected parties can submit responses to the editorial team; absence is not a guarantee no response was issued.
What is the current status of Tesla technician sues for 51M after FANUC robot arm knocked him unconscious at Fremont factory?
This incident is an active record on the DEPLOY registry; no retraction or correction has been issued.