Automation and household conflict: How industrial robots reduce domestic violence risk

Existing studies have extensively examined the impact of industrial robots on the labor market but have paid relatively less attention to their effects on micro-level family behavior. This paper constructs a domestic violence risk index using court judgements and finds a significant negative impact of industrial robots on domestic violence risk. A series of robustness checks validates the credibility of this conclusion. Mechanism analysis indicates that industrial robots contribute to reducing the risk of domestic violence by promoting women's economic empowerment, increasing their educational attainment, and improving psychological well-being—particularly among men. Moreover, the negative effect of industrial robots on domestic violence risk is particularly pronounced in regions with lower levels of traditional culture or economic development, as well as higher levels of population mobility and vocational training. This research sheds light on the unforeseen social consequences of industrial intelligence and provides empirical evidence for preventing domestic violence.