Assessing the impact of industrial robots on manufacturing energy intensity in 38 countries

Considering the continuing slowdown of the improvement in energy intensity around the world, it is essential to seek a more effective measure to address the dilemma of energy and sustainable development. To this end, this research attempts to provide fresh insight into the determinants of energy intensity from the perspective of industrial robots and an industry-based view. By applying the dynamic panel GMM estimate methodology to a new data panel that includes 38 countries and 17 manufacturing sectors, this study provides the first comprehensive assessment of the use of industrial robots on manufacturing energy intensity. We found that industrial robots could significantly improve manufacturing energy intensity, and our hypotheses passed a series of robustness tests. Moreover, this improvement effect works through the technology improvement effect and technological complement effect between industrial robots and labor. Finally, we found a heterogeneous nexus exists between industrial robots and manufacturing energy intensity. Specifically, industrial robots can exert influence on non-renewable energy intensity rather than renewable energy intensity. Compared to capital-intensive sectors, we found that the use of industrial robots mainly affected labor-intensive sectors. We also found that Industry 4.0 could promote the improvement effects of industrial robots on manufacturing energy intensity.

Automated summary

This research provides fresh insight into the determinants of energy intensity from the perspective of industrial robots. By analyzing a panel of data from 38 countries and 17 manufacturing sectors using the dynamic panel GMM estimate methodology, the study finds that industrial robots significantly improve manufacturing energy intensity. The improvement effect works through technology improvement and technological complement between industrial robots and labor. The study also highlights the heterogeneity nexus between industrial robots and manufacturing energy intensity, with a greater influence on non-renewable energy intensity and labor-intensive sectors. Additionally, the study suggests that Industry 4.0 can enhance the improvement effects of industrial robots on manufacturing energy intensity.