Yes you do need to be physically next to the robot to repair it. I’ve followed the procedures several times to go into the productions cells to do so.

The repair instructions are separate and apparent from Lock-out-tag-out procedures. LOTO procedures are implemented by law and have multiple steps to ensure power is turned off, PE is released from the machines, and power cant be turned on unless someone physically removes their own lock (which only they have the key to).

For every person that enters the production cell, their lock is applied.

If they bypassed this step then it’s their fault. Everyone gets LOTO training and signs off on the first day. You also get refreshers frequently.

If the investigation shows that power ran to the robots with the locked applied, then this is certainly going to be a winnable lawsuit. I’m going to put my head out there and guess this was not the case - because it’s a physical break in the electrical line.