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The role of robots in the green economy

Robert Bogue (Consultant Okehampton United Kingdom)

Industrial Robot

ISSN: 0143-991x

Article publication date: 10 November 2021

Issue publication date: 3 January 2022

361

Abstract

Purpose

This aims to illustrate the role robotic technology is playing in the key sectors of the green economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a short introduction, this paper discusses existing and potential robotic applications in three key sectors of green economy: renewable energy, recycling and waste management and sustainable transport. This is followed by a discussion and concluding comments.

Findings

Robots are playing critical and growing roles in each of the three sectors of the green economy considered. Uses are expanding in the production of renewable energy systems and in their inspection and maintenance. Advances in AI and machine vision have enabled robotic mixed waste sorting which plays a vital role in recycling, and the robotic disassembly of electronic products is also gaining pace. Robots are being used extensively in the sustainable transport sector in the manufacture of electric vehicles and also in the production and recycling of electric vehicle batteries. Emerging applications include robotic vehicle recharging and battery swapping.

Originality/value

This provides an insight into the many ways in which robots are contributing to key sectors of the green economy.

Keywords

Citation

Bogue, R. (2022), "The role of robots in the green economy", Industrial Robot, Vol. 49 No. 1, pp. 6-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/IR-10-2021-0230

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited

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