What is a common risk when mobile or autonomous robots operate in a lab?

• A. Dropping objects
• B. Wheels rolling over feet
• C. Electrical shock from non-robot equipment
• D. Acid spills

Answer: (B)

When mobile or autonomous robots run in a lab, the most relevant risk is foot injuries from wheels rolling over feet. Robots navigate shared spaces and can move suddenly or quietly, so someone’s feet or toes can be struck if they’re in the robot’s path or if the robot encounters a person while turning or braking. This risk is specifically tied to the presence of moving hardware and the need to manage human–robot interaction in real time, which makes it more characteristic of operating mobile robots than the other hazards listed.

Dropping objects, electrical shocks from non-robot equipment, or chemical spills can occur in the lab, but they aren’t inherent results of the robot’s movement in the same direct way. The first risk stands out because it directly involves the robot’s motion and the potential to physically contact people, especially in busy work areas or cluttered floors. To reduce it, implement clear safety zones, use audible or visible alerts, enforce speed limits, maintain tidy pathways, and ensure quick access to stop mechanisms and proper training on safe human–robot interaction.