Robot ‘kills’ labourer at auto firm

Gurgaon, August 12

A labourer was “welded” to death by a robot at SKH Metals Ltd, an auto mobile industry, in Manesar today. He was taken to ESI Hospital by his co-workers, where he was declared dead.

The victim, identified as 25-year-old Ramji Lal, was working in the robotic division of the company along with 63 men and 39 robots, when he was pierced with welding rods in the abdomen by a pre-programmed robot.

Hundreds of workers halted work in protest again the incident. Sources said the robot was pre-programmed to weld the metal sheets lifted by the worker. The incident took place when a sheet slipped and Ramji Lal went behind the robot to adjust it. “The accident happened due to the negligence of the management,” said Kuldeep Janghu, employee union leader. — TNS