Industrial robots and carbon emission reductions in global value chains

As a representative outcome of digital technological advancement, the use of industrial robots (IRs) is a key pathway toward economic transformation and green development. By leveraging global industry-level data, this paper examines the impact of IRs on carbon emission intensity (CEI) through the lens of global value chains (GVCs). The results demonstrate that IRs significantly suppress the CEI. This decarbonization effect is particularly pronounced in economically developed regions, within secondary and tertiary industries, and in labor- and capital-intensive sectors. In terms of impact mechanisms, IRs curtail CEI primarily by increasing green total factor productivity (GTFP), scaling down energy consumption, and optimizing energy structure. Furthermore, from the perspective of GVCs, higher GVC participation, forward GVC participation pattern, and elevated GVC position all strengthen IRs' decarbonization effect. This study offers policy-relevant insights for achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals.