It is correct Min, 'it' refers to the machine. It is an example of an older type of English which is not so common these days. Hope this helps Bob

It should really be 'in spite of ITS just being...'

I would need more context to give you the best answer. If I were writing it I would say, "In spite of being a machine..." When using "In spite of", you add a noun, a verb with an "-ing" ending, or "the fact that....." The two parts of the sentence don't seem to fit together. What does being a machine have to do with it being dangerous? That is the part I would need more context to answer. Hope this helps!