Does industrial robot adoption inhibit environmental pollution in China? An empirical study on energy consumption and...

In this research, we develop a theoretical model to examine the relationship between the adoption of industrial robots and environmental pollution. Additionally, we explore the mechanisms through which the implementation of industrial robots influences pollutant emissions. Our findings indicate that the adoption of industrial robots has a negative effect on environmental pollution. This conclusion is drawn from a panel data analysis of 283 cities in China from 2006 to 2020, utilizing a double fixed effect model. Further mechanism tests reveal that the use of industrial robots contributes to a reduction in pollution emissions by optimizing the energy consumption structure and enhancing energy efficiency. Meanwhile, industrial robot usage decreases pollution emissions by enhancing pollution treatment capabilities and boosting green technological innovation. Furthermore, regions characterized by heightened environmental awareness demonstrate a more significant improvement in environmental pollution levels when industrial robots are applied to their production process. This study ultimately demonstrates that integrating industrial robots can lead to a reduction in pollutant emissions, thereby yielding sustainable benefits for the environment.