A Tesla robotics technician has filed a $51 million lawsuit against the automaker and robotics supplier FANUC America, alleging a malfunctioning robot struck him unconscious at the Fremont factory in July 2023. Peter Hinterdobler claims the incident has already cost him over $1 million in medical expenses, with an additional $6 million expected for ongoing treatment, highlighting growing concerns about workplace safety protocols in automated manufacturing environments.
What happened: Hinterdobler was helping an engineer disassemble a robot on July 22, 2023, when the machine’s arm “suddenly and without warning released with great force,” according to the federal complaint filed in Oakland.
- The release involved both the robotic arm’s power and the weight of an 8,000-pound counterbalance that knocked Hinterdobler to the ground.
- The 50-year-old technician lost consciousness from the impact and sustained serious injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.
The financial impact: Hinterdobler is seeking $51 million in total damages across multiple categories of harm.
- Medical expenses have already exceeded $1 million, with another $6 million projected for continued treatment.
- The lawsuit includes claims for pain and suffering, emotional distress, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity.
Safety allegations: The complaint accuses both Tesla and FANUC, a Japanese robotics company, of negligence in different aspects of the incident.
- Tesla allegedly failed to ensure the robot was “safely de-energized, secured, and stable” before maintenance work began.
- FANUC is accused of negligently designing the equipment that caused the malfunction.
- The robot had reportedly been placed in “an area not designated for such equipment,” according to the lawsuit.
Tesla’s response: The automaker later introduced new safety protocols specifically for that type of machine, suggesting acknowledgment of potential safety gaps.
- Neither Tesla nor FANUC America has responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit.
- The timing of the new safety measures could be significant in determining liability for the incident.
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