Defining a New Benchmark for Sustainable Automation
ABB Robotics has taken a significant step toward sustainability in industrial automation by initiating the development of a global standard for measuring the energy consumption of industrial robots. This initiative aims to provide a consistent framework that allows manufacturers and users to accurately compare energy efficiency across robot models and brands.
Currently, no standardized method exists for evaluating robot energy performance, unlike household appliances such as motors, TVs, or washing machines. ABB’s initiative, led by Gianluca Brotto, Head of Sustainability at ABB Robotics, seeks to close this gap and promote informed decision-making in factory automation and control systems integration.
Measuring Energy Efficiency: The Foundation for Green Manufacturing
Industrial robots are widely recognized for improving productivity, precision, and process repeatability. However, their energy efficiency has been difficult to quantify. ABB emphasizes that measurement is the first step toward optimization.
According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), more than four million robots operate globally, and their cumulative energy use represents a major environmental consideration. ABB’s internal studies indicate that over 70% of a robot’s total carbon footprint stems from its operational energy consumption.
By addressing this issue, ABB supports global initiatives such as the Paris Agreement, encouraging industries to reduce energy-related emissions and adopt more efficient automation control systems.
Collaboration Toward a Global ISO Technical Specification
To establish a credible and unified approach, ABB Robotics collaborated with the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) and experts from 11 countries, including major robot manufacturers and research institutes. Their joint effort has resulted in a proposed ISO technical specification for robot energy measurement, expected to be finalized by August 2026.
This upcoming ISO standard will set a universal benchmark for assessing robotic energy efficiency across industrial environments. Manufacturers will be able to test and certify robots based on standardized criteria, improving transparency and supporting energy-efficient automation design.
Empowering Sustainable Decision-Making in Industrial Automation
ABB Robotics describes this development as a milestone for the automation industry. Once the standard is globally adopted, end users will be able to select robots based on measurable energy efficiency rather than assumptions or incomplete data.
This transparency will empower engineers, PLC and DCS system designers, and manufacturing leaders to make sustainability-driven choices that optimize performance and reduce operational costs.
In 2024, ABB introduced its Energy Efficiency Service, which helps companies analyze and improve energy use across robotic systems. The company’s automation portfolio now includes industrial robots, collaborative robots (cobots), and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs)—all coordinated by AI-driven control software.
Broader Context: The Evolution of Sustainable Factory Automation
The movement toward energy transparency aligns with broader trends in smart manufacturing. As factories adopt digitalization and data-driven control, the ability to monitor energy metrics in real time becomes critical.
Standardized energy measurement will enable predictive maintenance, energy benchmarking, and optimized PLC–robot coordination—ultimately supporting more sustainable and cost-effective production.
From automotive assembly to electronics manufacturing, the integration of efficient robotics can significantly lower total energy demand. ABB’s “autonomous versatile robotics” (AVR) ecosystem exemplifies this evolution, merging flexibility with reduced environmental impact.
Market Outlook and Strategic Implications
In late 2025, ABB Group announced plans to sell its robotics division to SoftBank Group for $5.3 billion, signaling a strategic realignment while maintaining ABB Robotics’ mission toward sustainability. With approximately 7,000 employees worldwide and a key U.S. base in Auburn Hills, Michigan, the company continues to shape the future of industrial robot energy optimization.
Expert Commentary: Why Standardization Matters
From an engineering perspective, energy measurement standards will reshape procurement and automation design strategies. Integrators will be able to compare robot models objectively and design control architectures that align with both performance and sustainability goals.
Furthermore, this move could inspire similar initiatives in servo drives, motion controllers, and process automation equipment, fostering a more energy-aware industrial ecosystem.
Application Scenarios: From Production Lines to Green Factories
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Automotive Assembly Lines: Selecting high-efficiency robots for welding and painting reduces both power demand and heat generation.
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Electronics Manufacturing: Compact, low-energy cobots can perform precision assembly while minimizing total plant energy consumption.
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Logistics and Material Handling: Integrating AMRs with real-time PLC control ensures route optimization and lower idle energy use.
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Green Factory Projects: Energy measurement standards will help validate sustainability claims during certification audits.