ABB Robotics Leads Global Drive to Standardize Robot Energy Efficiency
Industrial robots offer a clear path toward more efficient and sustainable production cycles. However, quantifying these environmental benefits has historically proven difficult for many manufacturers. ABB Robotics recently launched a major initiative to solve this problem. They aim to establish a global, standardized method for measuring robot energy consumption and efficiency. This move ensures that industrial automation becomes more transparent for global stakeholders.
Bridging the Standard Gap in Factory Automation
Unlike common household appliances, industrial robots currently lack a universal energy measurement standard. Consequently, customers struggle to compare different models and choose the most sustainable hardware. Gianluca Brotto of ABB Robotics highlights that this lack of clarity hinders informed decision-making. By creating a unified metric, the industry can finally treat robots like motors or consumer electronics. Therefore, transparency will empower companies to reduce their operational carbon footprints effectively.
Data-Driven Sustainability in Modern Control Systems
The International Federation of Robotics (IFR) reports that over 4 million units currently operate worldwide. Internal studies reveal that 70% of a robot's carbon footprint occurs during its operational phase. Automation is now expanding rapidly into new sectors like logistics and pharmaceuticals. As a result, reducing electricity usage within factory automation is essential to meet global climate goals. Accurate measurement serves as the mandatory first step toward meaningful energy reduction.
Collaborating for a New ISO Technical Specification
ABB is collaborating with the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) to draft a comprehensive proposal. Experts from 11 countries, including various manufacturers and research institutes, are contributing to this effort. This collaboration will culminate in an International Organization for Standardization (ISO) technical specification by August 2026. This framework will likely influence how future control systems and PLC logic manage power distribution.
Integrating Software and Hardware for Maximum Efficiency
The ABB portfolio ranges from traditional industrial arms to autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) guided by AI. These systems work in tandem with specialized software to orchestrate energy-saving movements. In 2024, the company launched its Energy Efficiency Service to support these goals. By utilizing "autonomous versatile robotics" (AVR), businesses can improve resilience while lowering overhead costs. Moreover, integrated systems allow for better synchronization between robotics and a plant's DCS (Distributed Control System).
Author Insight: Why Standardization is a Game Changer
In my view, this standardization effort is long overdue for the industrial automation sector. Currently, many "energy-saving" claims in robotics are purely anecdotal or based on proprietary testing. A global ISO standard will force manufacturers to compete on actual performance rather than marketing jargon. I expect that once these standards go live, we will see a surge in "Green PLC" programming techniques designed specifically to hit these new efficiency benchmarks.
