ABB Robotics leads global effort to standardize measurement of industrial robots’ energy consumption

Copyright: ABB Robotics

ABB Robotics is spearheading an initiative to develop the first global, standardized method for measuring the energy consumption and efficiency of industrial robots. This effort marks a critical step toward improving transparency and supporting the global transition to more sustainable manufacturing.

“With no global standard currently in place, it’s a challenge for customers to compare the energy consumption of different robots and choose the most energy efficient solution.” said Gianluca Brotto, Head of Sustainability, ABB Robotics. “Unlike other products such as fridges, TVs, washing machines and motors, which have clearly defined standards for how to measure and compare energy efficiency, there is no standard for measuring the energy consumption of a robot. This initiative will empower customers to make informed decisions and help the industry reduce its carbon footprint.”

Collaborating with the Swedish Institute for Standardization (SIS), ABB Robotics developed a proposal with experts from different robot manufacturers and research institutes, which led to the creation of a technical specification for global adoption. This is due to be completed by August 2026.

With over four million industrial robots operating worldwide according to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR) and automation expanding into new sectors, reducing the environmental impact of robotic systems is paramount, as companies aim to reduce their emissions from energy consumption in line with the Paris Agreement.

Internal ABB studies show that more than 70 percent of its customer robots’ carbon footprint stems from electricity usage during its operational phase.

With a new, global ISO Technical Specification in place, industrial robotics customers will be able to clearly choose the most energy efficient robot for the job.