Robot Malfunction at Amazon: Who Pays When a Robot Causes Harm?

Amazon’s warehouses are a marvel of modern logistics, with robots and humans working side-by-side to fulfill orders at lightning speed. But what happens when these robots malfunction and cause harm to human workers? Who is responsible, and how are injured workers compensated?

The Rise of Robots in Amazon Warehouses

Amazon has increasingly integrated robots into its warehouses to improve efficiency and reduce costs. As of 2019, the number of robots in Amazon warehouses had increased from 15,000 in 2014 to 200,000. These robots perform various tasks, including:

Stowing new merchandise on shelves
Picking merchandise for assembling customer orders
Transporting merchandise racks from station to station

While robots can improve efficiency and handle repetitive tasks, their integration has also led to safety concerns.

Injury Rates and Robot-Related Accidents

Several reports and investigations have revealed a correlation between the presence of robots in Amazon warehouses and increased worker injury rates.

A 2022 report by the Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) found that Amazon facilities with robotic technology had a serious injury rate of 7.9 per 100 workers in 2019, which was more than 54% higher than the rate at non-robotic facilities.
A 2020 investigation by Reveal, a publication of The Center for Investigative Reporting, found that Amazon fulfillment centers with robots experienced “significantly higher” rates of human injuries than those without them.
In 2019, Amazon fulfillment centers recorded 14,000 serious injuries, with an overall rate of 7.7 serious injuries per 100 employees, nearly double the industry standard.

These findings suggest that the increased pace and demands associated with working alongside robots may contribute to worker injuries.

Common Causes of Robot-Related Injuries

Injuries caused by robot malfunctions or interactions can occur due to several factors:

Mechanical failures: Components that don’t perform according to design.
Software bugs: Programming or algorithmic errors that lead to unsafe behavior.
Human error: Unauthorized use, inadequate training, or miscommunication between operators and robotic systems.
Environmental factors: Unexpected interactions within real-world settings.
Increased work pace: Robots and humans work at different paces, leading to worker strain and overexertion.
Repetitive motions: Human workers may be required to match the repetitive motions of robots, leading to ergonomic issues.
Heavy objects: Robots may place heavy objects in precarious positions, posing a risk to workers.

Who Pays When a Robot Causes Harm?

Determining liability in cases involving robot-related injuries can be complex. Potential parties who may be held responsible include:

Amazon: As the employer, Amazon has a responsibility to provide a safe working environment.
Robot manufacturers: If the injury was caused by a defect in the robot’s design or manufacturing, the manufacturer may be liable.
Software developers: If the malfunction stemmed from a software error, the software developer may be held responsible.
Third-party service providers: If the robot was serviced or maintained by an outside provider, they may be liable for negligence.

Legal Theories for Establishing Liability

Several legal theories may be used to establish liability in robot-related injury cases:

Workers’ Compensation: In most states, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system that provides benefits to employees injured on the job, regardless of who was at fault.
Negligence: This involves proving that the responsible party failed to act with reasonable care, resulting in the injury.
Product Liability: This holds manufacturers liable for injuries caused by defective products, regardless of intent.
Strict Liability: Some legal scholars advocate for strict liability on manufacturers, similar to pharmaceutical industry regulations, where manufacturers are held liable for design flaws.

Navigating the Legal Process

If you’ve been injured by a robot at an Amazon warehouse, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

Seek medical attention immediately: Any injury must be recorded immediately for both health and legal reasons.
Report the incident: Notify your employer (manager or supervisor) and file a timely claim with the workers’ compensation carrier.
Preserve evidence: Keep any physical evidence or digital data, such as photographs, videos, and system data related to the incident.
Consult legal advice: Consult an attorney experienced in personal injury law and workers’ compensation to assess your case.
Locate potential defendants: Determine which parties, such as manufacturers, developers, or others, may bear responsibility.

Amazon’s Responsibility for Worker Safety

Amazon has faced increasing scrutiny over its workplace safety practices.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Amazon for unsafe working conditions, ergonomic hazards, and failure to properly report injuries.
In January 2025, OSHA and Amazon reached a corporate-wide settlement to address hazardous working conditions that have led to serious lower back and musculoskeletal disorders among employees.
A recent Senate report raised concerns about the safety protocols and medical care provided at Amazon warehouses, highlighting the need for immediate attention and reform.

Despite these concerns, Amazon claims it has markedly improved workplace safety in recent years. However, data suggests that injury rates remain high compared to industry standards.

The Future of Robot Safety in the Workplace

As robots become more prevalent in the workplace, it’s essential to address the legal and ethical challenges they pose.

Clearer regulations: Governments must develop new legal structures that reflect the dynamic nature of AI technologies and ensure human oversight remains intact.
Updated safety standards: OSHA needs to adopt specific standards for the robotics industry beyond the existing guidelines.
Worker involvement: Warehouse workers should be involved in the design of robot integration from the beginning to prioritize worker well-being.
Increased transparency: Amazon should provide more transparency regarding injury data by facility to identify and address subpar safety performance.

Conclusion

Robot malfunctions in Amazon warehouses can lead to serious injuries, raising complex questions about liability and compensation. While workers’ compensation provides a safety net, it may not fully cover all losses. Depending on the circumstances, other parties, such as robot manufacturers or software developers, may also be held responsible.

If you’ve been injured by a robot at an Amazon warehouse, it’s crucial to seek medical attention, report the incident, and consult with an experienced attorney to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.