Industrial robotics incident history: Identify the Japanese worker killed by an industrial robot at Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ Akashi plant.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Kenji Urada

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Understanding historical industrial safety incidents helps engineers design safer systems and procedures. The question refers to a well-documented fatality in Japan that influenced conversations around robot safety interlocks and lockout–tagout practices.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Location: Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Akashi plant.
  • Nature: fatal incident involving an industrial robot.
  • Goal: recall the correct identity associated with the event.


Concept / Approach:
Use recognition of historically cited cases in robotics safety literature. The incident most frequently referenced from Japan in the early 1980s is associated with the name Kenji Urada.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) List candidate names and cross-check with well-known reports.2) Identify the commonly cited victim name linked to Akashi plant.3) Select the matching option.


Verification / Alternative check:
Multiple safety retrospectives and media accounts identify the victim as Kenji Urada, making this attribution consistent across sources.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • M. Shubhagya: not linked to the cited incident.
  • Harun Shimada: not the individual associated with this case.
  • K. Miceni: unrelated to this event.
  • None of the above: incorrect because the correct name appears among the choices.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing different factory incidents or assuming brand names of robots imply the victim's identity. Always verify the specific plant and timeframe.


Final Answer:
Kenji Urada

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