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Industrial robot applications’ effects on consumption of energy and its spatial effects

Author

Listed:
  • Xinhua Yang

    (Guangdong Ocean University)

  • Ning Zhu

    (Guangdong Ocean University)

  • Jingjing Lv

    (Guangdong Ocean University)

  • Shuai Luo

    (Guangdong Ocean University)

Abstract

Industrial robot applications’ influence on energy consumption is a significant area of concern in both theoretical and practical sectors. This study used panel data from 2006 to 2019, covering multiple Chinese provinces. It applied panel regression and various statistical methods to investigate the potential impact of industrial robot deployment on energy consumption. Additionally, the research incorporated spatial variables, including adjacency matrices, inverse geographical distance matrices, inverse economic distance matrices, and inverse industrial scale matrices. These spatial components were used in spatial Durbin models, spatial Durbin models with quadratic terms, and spatial Durbin models with lag terms. The analyses aimed to examine the spatial spillover effects of industrial robots on energy consumption, explore nonlinear characteristics in these effects, and distinguish between short-term and long-term impacts. The research findings are as follows. Firstly, energy consumption can be greatly reduced by industrial robot applications, and there are heterogeneous effects based on geographical location and income levels. Secondly, industrial robot applications have spatial spillover effects that reduce energy consumption in the neighborhood, as well as the energy consumption of other regions that border each other, are physically close together, have less economic inequality, and have similar industrial scales. Thirdly, the geographic spillage impacts of industrial robots demonstrate nonlinear characteristics, displaying a distribution pattern that resembles an inverted U shape when analyzed through the anti-economic distance matrix. Lastly, industrial robot spatial impact spillovers primarily have short-term effects with negligible long-term implications. These results provide new insights and evidence for research on the environmental impacts of industrial robots, factors influencing energy consumption, and spatial planning for industrial development.

Suggested Citation

  • Xinhua Yang & Ning Zhu & Jingjing Lv & Shuai Luo, 2025. "Industrial robot applications’ effects on consumption of energy and its spatial effects," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(6), pages 14365-14395, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:6:d:10.1007_s10668-024-04482-z
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-024-04482-z
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