Iván Hernández Dalas: ABB Robotics seeks to standardize measurement of robot energy consumption
ABB says that automating more of construction can reduce carbon emissions. Source: ABB Robotics The potential for industrial robots to make production more efficient and environmentally sustainable is commonly cited as a potential benefit of automation. However, this has been difficult to quantify and compare. ABB Robotics this week announced an initiative to develop a global, standardized method for measuring the energy consumption and efficiency of industrial robots. “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 at 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,” he noted. “This initiative will empower customers...