Global industrial robots trade network structure and its impact on manufacturing carbon intensity

The rapid development of the advanced manufacturing sector has elevated industrial robots to the status of crucial strategic technology. This study explored the evolution of the network structure of the global industrial robot trade and its implications for carbon emission intensity in the manufacturing sector. An analysis of trade networks and carbon emission intensity revealed that the global industrial robot trade network is becoming increasingly complex and dense, characterized by polarization effects and geographical heterogeneity. Despite the uneven global distribution of carbon emission intensity in the manufacturing sector, a general decline and narrowing range were observed. Moreover, the empirical findings indicated that network centrality adversely affected carbon emission intensity of the manufacturing industry, with this impact varying by region. The carbon reduction effect was pronounced in economically advanced regions, whereas carbon emission intensity increased in economically disadvantaged areas. These findings suggest policy recommendations for carbon reduction across countries that differ in their engagement levels in the industrial robot trade network.