A Global Push to Standardize Industrial Robot Energy Use
On January 27, 2026, ABB Robotics announced it is leading a multinational effort to create the first global standard for measuring the energy consumption of industrial robots. Until now, unlike consumer products such as refrigerators or washing machines, there has been no consistent way to compare how much electricity robots actually use — making it hard for buyers and manufacturers to assess and improve efficiency.
This initiative involves the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and experts from 11 countries working with the Swedish Institute for Standardization (SIS) to develop an ISO Technical Specification by August 2026. The goal is to establish a uniform energy measurement method that factories worldwide can adopt.
What Happened and Why It’s Important
With more than four million industrial robots in factories around the world, machine automation is deeply embedded in modern manufacturing. Yet, until now, no global benchmark existed to measure or compare energy usage across different robot models and brands. ABB’s effort seeks to fill this gap and give manufacturers the tools to choose more energy-efficient options.
This work is significant for environmental and economic reasons. Internal ABB data show that over 70 % of a robot’s carbon footprint comes from electricity used during operation — not just manufacturing or transport. A common energy metric will help companies reduce their carbon footprint, cut costs, and align with climate commitments like the Paris Agreement.
Linking Standardization to the Broader Robotics Landscape
The need for an energy usage standard touches on broader trends in automation. Industrial robots, including Non-Human Workers like cobots and Voice AI Agents integrated systems, are growing rapidly in number and capability as factories seek to boost productivity and sustainability. Standardized metrics help buyers evaluate not just performance, but long-term energy impacts and operational costs.
Although this initiative focuses on energy measurement rather than direct robot performance, it lays the foundation for future advances in robot efficiency and sustainable automation practices. As robotics adoption continues to rise globally, a clear and consistent way to benchmark energy use will become an essential part of responsible industrial innovation.
Key Highlights:
- ABB Robotics is leading a global effort to develop the first standardized energy measurement method for industrial robots by August 2026.
- The initiative involves the ISO and experts from 11 countries, filling a long-standing gap.
- Standardized energy metrics will help manufacturers compare efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and cut operational costs.
- Over 70 % of robot emissions come from operational electricity use, not manufacturing.
- This effort aligns with the broader growth of industrial automation and the push for more sustainable Non-Human Workers in manufacturing.
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