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Have industrial robots reduced carbon emissions? Empirical evidence from China

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  • Wang, Mengyu
  • Guo, Bingnan

Abstract

Intelligent manufacturing is a key focus in the construction of a strong manufacturing nation, and its level of development directly impacts the quality of China's manufacturing industry. This paper analyzes the impact of industrial robots on carbon emissions from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. An empirical study based on panel data from Chinese cities reveals that industrial robots can effectively reduce manufacturing carbon emissions in urban areas and promote a shift towards a low-carbon economy. The conclusion remains valid even after a series of robustness and endogeneity tests. Further examination of the mechanisms indicates that green technology innovation and the degree of human-robot matching are significant factors in industrial robots' ability to mitigate manufacturing carbon emissions. By incorporating robot factors into the log-mean divisia index decomposition mode(LMDI), our findings show that the technological effect of emission reduction from robots surpasses the scale effect of increased emissions. This finding supports the green and intelligent development of the manufacturing sector and helps forge new competitive advantages in achieving carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Mengyu & Guo, Bingnan, 2026. "Have industrial robots reduced carbon emissions? Empirical evidence from China," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 86(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:86:y:2026:i:c:s0160791x26000333
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2026.103244
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