Can industrial robot utilization drive the total factor productivity of enterprises?

Abstract This study presents a comprehensive investigation of the impact and mechanism of industrial robot utilization on total factor productivity (TFP) using panel data from A‐share listed companies in China's manufacturing industry. Our findings reveal the significant contribution of industrial robots to enhancing TFP in microenterprises, with this influence persisting over time. Mechanism tests demonstrate that industrial robot utilization effectively reduces labor costs, mitigates financing constraints, and enhances innovation capabilities, thereby improving enterprises' TFP. Additionally, a heterogeneity analysis indicates a more pronounced impact of industrial robot utilization on TFP in labor‐intensive, non‐high‐tech enterprises, as well as in enterprises operating in highly competitive markets. This study deepens our understanding of industrial robot utilization and TFP, which broadens the scope of this field. This has significant practical implications for transforming traditional factors, integrating new technologies, and facilitating digital and intelligent transformations of manufacturing enterprises in emerging economies.