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Manufacturing and energy challenges: Can robotics solve the energy trilemma?

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  • Ma, Yu
  • Wang, Xinyu
  • Ding, Zijun
  • Luan, Zhiqian

Abstract

Demand for energy is continuously increasing in China due to the country's rapid economic growth. The energy outlook is pessimistic, however, because of the limited nature of traditional domestic energy resources and the issue of environmental pollution. The widespread application of artificial intelligence–based industrial robots has, in the meantime, promoted energy efficiency and sustainable environmental development; this application potentially provides a crucial means to help resolve the energy trilemma (ET). Based on data from 30 provinces in China from 2006 to 2019, we constructed a research model to study the impact of industrial robot applications on the ET. Based on the results, the application of industrial robots effectively alleviated the ET through industrial structure, technological innovation, and environmental awareness. The impact of industrial robots on the ET did, however, vary in different contexts. The effect of industrial robots is stronger in regions with higher capital levels, as well as in areas with greater traditional resource dependence, lower labor quality, and weaker environmental regulation. In addition, industry-level analysis reveals that industrial robots have a stronger mitigating effect on the ET in low-energy-consuming industries. The results offer effective suggestions for helping to solve the ET.

Suggested Citation

  • Ma, Yu & Wang, Xinyu & Ding, Zijun & Luan, Zhiqian, 2026. "Manufacturing and energy challenges: Can robotics solve the energy trilemma?," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 352(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:352:y:2026:i:c:s0360544226010327
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2026.140927
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