ABB says that automating extra of building 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 advantage of automation. Nonetheless, this has been tough to quantify and examine. ABB Robotics this week introduced an initiative to develop a worldwide, standardized methodology for measuring the power consumption and effectivity of business robots.
“With no international normal at the moment in place, it’s a problem for patrons to match the power consumption of various robots and select essentially the most power environment friendly resolution.” mentioned Gianluca Brotto, head of sustainability at ABB Robotics.
“Not like different merchandise corresponding to fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly outlined requirements for methods to measure and examine power effectivity, there isn’t a normal for measuring the power consumption of a robotic,” he famous. “This initiative will empower clients to make knowledgeable choices and assist the trade cut back its carbon footprint.”
Measurement step one to better 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). Decreasing the environmental impression of robotic techniques 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 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 because 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 clients will have the ability to 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 firm 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 unit are in Auburn Hills, Mich.
