Does industrial robot adoption affect green total factor productivity? – Evidence from China

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of industrial robot adoption on Green Total Factor Productivity (GTFP) against the backdrop of increasing demand for both robot proliferation and green development utilizing urban panel data from Chinese cities spanning 2007–2019. Findings reveal that industrial robot adoption significantly improves GTFP, exerting its influence through mechanisms such as energy saving, technological innovation, scale output, and industrial linkages. Certain market factors moderate the influence of industrial robot on GTFP. Initially, regions reliant on high-pollution industries and resource-based cities experience minimal effects, which may diminish or even reverse as GTFP improves. Additionally, the positive influence of industrial robots on GTFP is particularly noticeable in regions with advanced development in green finance. This research is significant for understanding the connection between industrial robot adoption and green development at the urban level and for exploring pathways for green transformation.