And It Begins - Robot Kills a Man at Volkswagen Plant in Germany

A robot has killed a contractor at one of Volkswagen's production plants in Germany, according to reports. The automaker confirmed the news Wednesday.

The man died Monday at the plant in Baunatal, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of Frankfurt, VW spokesman Heiko Hillwig said.

The 22-year-old was part of a team that was setting up the stationary robot when it grabbed and crushed him against a metal plate, Hillwig said.

Hillwig added initial conclusions indicate that human error was to blame, rather than a problem with the robot, which can be programmed to perform various tasks in the assembly process. He said it normally operates within a confined area at the plant, grabbing auto parts and manipulating them.

One more contractor was present at the site but wasn't harmed.

German news agency dpa reported that prosecutors were considering whether to bring charges, and if so, against whom, Associated Press reported.

We're awaiting more details about the case.