Ep 3. Man vs. Machine

When Big Things Go Wrong is a documentary series that explores the most catastrophic failures of technology and mechanical engineering. Each episode features a different catastrophic event and investigates the causes leading up to the devastating event.

Episode 3 of season 1 is titled 'Man vs. Machine'. This episode looks into a range of accidents and failures caused by technology interacting with humans. From drones, cars and even roller coasters, the episode reveals the consequences of human error and the dangers of relying too much on technology.

The episode opens with a drone that crashes into a building. The investigation into the crash uncovers that the drone pilot was distracted and not actively monitoring the drone's flight path. The incident leads to a discussion on the importance of proper training and attentiveness when operating technology.

Next, the episode moves on to a story about a fatal car crash that occurred in 2016. The investigation into the crash reveals that the driver had been relying too heavily on the car's self-driving capabilities, leading to the fatal accident. The crash raises important questions about the safety of autonomous technology and the pitfalls of putting too much trust in machines.

The episode then takes a closer look at the manufacturing of rides at amusement parks. A rollercoaster malfunction in 2018 left passengers stranded 100 feet in the air for over an hour. The investigation into the incident reveals that a bolt had not been tightened correctly during the assembly of the ride. The episode highlights the importance of rigorous safety checks and the consequences of cutting corners during the manufacturing process.

The focus then shifts to airplane accidents caused by automation. The infamous 2009 incident where a commercial plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean is explored. The investigation into the crash reveals that the pilots had not been properly trained on how to deal with the plane's automated systems, leading to confusion and ultimately, the crash. The episode raises concerns about automation and questions how much control humans should have when it comes to flying in planes.

The final segment of the episode looks into the increasing use of robots in the workplace. The episode explores the rise of cobots, robots designed to work safely alongside humans. However, an industrial accident, where a factory worker was killed by a robot, brings the question of how safe are these robots. The episode raises important concerns about the way technology is changing the workforce and how we need to be careful about integrating machines too closely with humans.

Overall, 'Man vs. Machine' is a thought-provoking episode exploring the relationship between humans and technology. The episode highlights the dangers of relying too heavily on automation and the need for proper training, safety checks, and attentiveness when operating machines. The show provides a timely reminder of the importance of human oversight and accountability in a world where machines are increasingly taking on important roles in our lives.