The Double Dividend of Automation: How Do Industrial Robots Affect Energy and Carbon Intensity?

Abstract

This paper investigates the effect of industrial robot deployment on energy and carbon intensity, using data from 60 countries over the period 2000–2019 and employing both homogeneous and heterogeneous panel data methods. The findings indicate that robot deployment decreases energy and carbon intensity, thereby improving efficiency in both domains. These effects are particularly pronounced at higher intensity levels, underscoring the critical role of robots in enhancing environmental and energy performance.