Selected Issues, Methods, and Trends in the Energy Consumption of Industrial Robots

Industrial robots, like all machines, require energy to operate, which is why energy efficiency in industrial robotics has been a subject of consideration in recent years in many scientific and industrial centers. Interest in the topic is especially noticeable in Industry 4.0. Research on energy efficiency stems from the emergence of new possibilities in terms of making strategic decisions related to manufacturing processes. As energy-efficient production is an essential part of sustainable development, the energy efficiency of industrial robots must be considered. The need to reduce costs while maintaining quality and increasing production efficiency has necessitated the implementation of modern solutions aimed at reducing electricity consumption. The rational use of electrical energy, especially in the industrial sector, significantly reduces production costs and, consequently, contributes to a company’s profits and competitiveness. This article aims to provide an overview of energy efficiency issues based on recently published articles. This article discusses the appropriate selection of robots, their programming, energy-efficient trajectory planning, and the monitoring of the operation of the robotic system to minimize energy consumption. Typical industrial applications of robots are also mentioned and discussed.