ABB says that automating extra of development can cut back carbon emissions. Supply: ABB Robotics
The potential for industrial robots to make manufacturing extra environment friendly and environmentally sustainable is usually cited as a possible good thing about automation. Nonetheless, this has been troublesome to quantify and evaluate. ABB Robotics this week introduced an initiative to develop a worldwide, standardized technique for measuring the power consumption and effectivity of commercial robots.
“With no world normal presently in place, it’s a problem for patrons to match the power consumption of various robots and select probably the most power environment friendly answer.” stated Gianluca Brotto, head of sustainability at ABB Robotics.
“Not like different merchandise resembling fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly outlined requirements for how one can measure and evaluate power effectivity, there isn’t a normal for measuring the power consumption of a robotic,” he famous. “This initiative will empower prospects to make knowledgeable choices and assist the business cut back its carbon footprint.”
Measurement step one to larger power effectivity
Greater than 4 million industrial robots are working worldwide, and automation is increasing into new sectors, in keeping with the Worldwide Federation of Robotics (IFR). Lowering the environmental impression of robotic programs is paramount, as firms purpose to cut back their emissions from power consumption in keeping with the Paris Settlement, famous ABB Robotics.
Inner ABB research discovered that greater than 70% of its buyer robots’ carbon footprint comes from electrical energy utilization throughout their operational part.
The corporate has labored with the Swedish Institute for Requirements (SIS) to develop a proposal with specialists from totally different robotic producers and analysis institutes in 11 international locations. This led to the creation of an Worldwide Group for Standardization (ISO) technical specification for world adoption as a result of be accomplished by August 2026.
ABB Robotics hails world specification
“This effort marks a vital step towards bettering transparency and supporting the worldwide transition to extra sustainable manufacturing,” acknowledged ABB Robotics. “With a brand new, world ISO technical specification in place, industrial robotics prospects will have the ability to clearly select probably the most energy-efficient robotic for the job.”
ABB Robotics’ portfolio contains industrial robots, force- and power-limited cobot arms, and autonomous cellular robots (AMRs), designed and orchestrated by its software program and AI. It launched an Power Effectivity Service in 2024.
The firm stated its “autonomous versatile robotics” (AVR) and ecosystem assist companies of all sizes and sectors — from automotive to electronics and logistics – to grow to be extra resilient, versatile, and environment friendly.
In October 2025, ABB Group introduced plans to promote its robotics unit to SoftBank Group for $5.3 billion. ABB Robotics has about 7,000 workers, and its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility are in Auburn Hills, Mich.
