Robots have quickly become a critical part of warehouse production since 2012 when Amazon first invested in robot technology to automate processes and increase production rates. While the warehouse industry was slower to integrate robotics compared to other industries like manufacturing, it has now embraced free-roaming machines to move heavy loads. However, these machines have led to a rise in workplace injuries because when they have created such a fast pace of work that humans cannot safely keep up with it. The speed goals and intense employee surveillance at Amazon have grown alongside automation and contributed to an unforgiving workplace culture. Additionally, there are greater consequences and potential for injury when the machines malfunction because of the difficulties stopping the production lines.
See "In warehouses, robot technology causing increase in workplace injuries for human workers", Andrew Moseman, Insider, October 19, 2022