[EricH]

A smart person learns from his own mistakes. A genius learns from everyone else's mistakes in addition to his own.

Something about nobody ever living long enough to make all the mistakes themselves...

Yes, the drivetrain is apparently shielded. Yes, he does seem to have a good grip on the robot. However, if that robot moves, I would expect anybody riding it to a) not be riding it or b) be wearing appropriate safety gear (helmet, safety glasses, possibly gloves) and c) have extra handles attached for extra grab by a rider. Oh, and a very easy-to-get-to main breaker and E-stop in case something does go wrong.

The other thing is this little thing called insurance. If somebody got hurt doing something like this, insurance companies would make a big deal. Then, there goes the team due to a chain of events. I know at my workplace (a go-kart track), every track worker wears a helmet and ankle-high work boots (and most of us wear steel-toe work boots) due to insurance 'requests" (low ceilings and karts that could hit you if you can't jump fast enough are apparently dangerous). Not to mention the height requirements, which are strict because of insurance.

I think I made myself clear in that: safety is not unimportant.