ABB says that automating extra of development can scale back carbon emissions. Supply: ABB Robotics
The potential for industrial robots to make manufacturing extra environment friendly and environmentally sustainable is often 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 world, standardized methodology for measuring the vitality consumption and effectivity of business robots.
“With no international customary presently in place, it’s a problem for purchasers to match the vitality consumption of various robots and select essentially the most vitality environment friendly resolution.” mentioned Gianluca Brotto, head of sustainability at ABB Robotics.
“Not like different merchandise reminiscent of fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly outlined requirements for learn how to measure and evaluate vitality effectivity, there isn’t any customary for measuring the vitality consumption of a robotic,” he famous. “This initiative will empower prospects to make knowledgeable choices and assist the trade scale back its carbon footprint.”
Measurement step one to better vitality effectivity
Greater than 4 million industrial robots are working worldwide, and automation is increasing into new sectors, based on the Worldwide Federation of Robotics (IFR). Lowering the environmental impression of robotic programs is paramount, as firms purpose to cut back their emissions from vitality consumption according to the Paris Settlement, famous ABB Robotics.
Inside 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 consultants from completely different robotic producers and analysis institutes in 11 nations. This led to the creation of an Worldwide Group for Standardization (ISO) technical specification for international adoption on account of be accomplished by August 2026.
ABB Robotics hails international specification
“This effort marks a vital step towards enhancing transparency and supporting the worldwide transition to extra sustainable manufacturing,” acknowledged ABB Robotics. “With a brand new, international ISO technical specification in place, industrial robotics prospects will be capable of clearly select essentially the most energy-efficient robotic for the job.”
ABB Robotics’ portfolio consists of industrial robots, force- and power-limited cobot arms, and autonomous cell robots (AMRs), designed and orchestrated by its software program and AI. It launched an Vitality Effectivity Service in 2024.
The corporate mentioned its “autonomous versatile robotics” (AVR) and ecosystem assist companies of all sizes and sectors — from automotive to electronics and logistics – to change into 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 staff, and its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility are in Auburn Hills, Mich.
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