The Impact of Industrial Robots on Energy Efficiency: Evidence from Chinese Cities

As an important driving force for intelligent transformation, the development and application of industrial robots have promoted the transformation of traditional production modes and the upgrading of energy utilization methods, playing a significant role in improving energy efficiency. Based on the panel data of 283 prefectural-level cities in China from 2008 to 2019, this study used a two-way fixed-effects model to examine the impact of industrial robots on urban energy efficiency. The study found that industrial robots significantly improve energy efficiency, with the mechanisms including scale effects, structural effects, and green technology effects. Heterogeneity analysis shows that this effect is more prominent in innovative cities, central and western regions, and areas with high human capital. The research provides a basis for understanding the pathways through which industrial robots promote the improvement of energy efficiency and offers policy insights for China to advance intelligent manufacturing and green development.