How can robots reduce our carbon footprint?

Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that using robots can help us reduce our carbon footprint? This sounds great but what are the tradeoffs of increased utilization of robots? -- Robert Pardue, Reno, NV

Robots are increasingly integral to addressing environmental challenges, from cleaning oceans to aiding reforestation. For instance, Clearbot removes some 15 liters of oil and 200 kilograms of trash from oceans daily, mitigating marine pollution. Robots also accelerate tree planting, restoring forests faster and more precisely than humans. In cities, robots are helping lower carbon footprints. Delivery robots can cut road congestion by 29 percent and reduce emissions by 16 percent compared to traditional vehicles. Often powered by renewable energy like solar, these robots further minimize environmental impact.

Similarly, robots are making an impact in transportation. Electric vehicles equipped with self-driving features are becoming more common, following Tesla’s lead. Since EVs run on electricity rather than gas, they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Many of these autonomous vehicles also include features like automatic braking, lane detection and speed control, which can enhance safety and efficiency on the road.

Robots have also made their way into industrial settings, where they improve efficiency and help cut down carbon emissions. A 2022 study found that the use of robots in manufacturing has enhanced carbon emission reduction efforts across 35 countries. By automating repetitive tasks, robots can help reduce errors and improve the overall energy efficiency of production processes.

However, the environmental benefits of robots come with significant tradeoffs. Most robots rely on batteries made from lithium and cobalt, which are not evenly distributed around the world. Mining these materials is resource-intensive and often leads to environmental degradation. The extraction process consumes large amounts of energy, releases air pollutants and can contaminate local water supplies.

Once in use, robots—like any other technology—are subject to wear and tear. When they break or become outdated, they add to the growing problem of electronic waste. The faster pace of production enabled by robots also fuels consumer demand, further increasing waste. And these impacts often hit poorer nations hardest, as they are disproportionately affected by pollution and resource depletion.

Long term, as robot designs improve and new technologies are developed, some of these challenges may be mitigated. Companies like AI for Good, Echo Tech Daily and Redwood Materials are developing more sustainable robots. But for now, it’s important to weigh the benefits and tradeoffs carefully. While robots hold great promise for helping us reduce our carbon footprint, they are far from a perfect solution.

EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss for the 501(c)3 nonprofit EarthTalk. See more at https://emagazine.com.

The views expressed here are not necessarily those of The Lakeville Journal and The Journal does not support or oppose candidates for public office.

Latest News

A scenic 32-mile loop through Litchfield County

Whenever I need to get a quick but scenic bicycle ride but don’t have time to organize a group ride that involves driving to a meeting point, I just turn right out of my driveway. That begins a 32-mile loop through some of the prettiest scenery in northern Litchfield County.

I ride south on Undermountain Road (Route 41 South) into Salisbury and turn right on Main Street (Route 44 West). If I’m meeting friends, we gather at the parking area on the west side of Salisbury Town Hall where parking is never a problem.

Keep ReadingShow less
Biking Ancramdale to Copake

This is a lovely ride that loops from Ancramdale north to Copake and back. At just over 23 miles and about 1,300 feet of elevation gain, it’s a perfect route for intermediate recreational riders and takes about two hours to complete. It’s entirely on quiet roads with little traffic, winding through rolling hills, open countryside, picturesque farms and several lakes.

Along the way, you’ll pass a couple of farmstands that are worth a quick visit. There is only one hill that might be described as steep, but it is quite short — probably less than a quarter-mile.

Keep ReadingShow less
Taking on Tanglewood

Aerial view of The Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass.

Provided

Now is the perfect time to plan ahead for symphonic music this summer at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts. Here are a few highlights from the classical programming.

Saturday, July 5: Shed Opening Night at 8 p.m. Andris Nelsons conducts the Boston Symphony Orchestra as Daniil Trifonov plays piano in an All-Rachmaninoff program. The Piano Concerto No. 3 was completed in 1909 and was written specifically to be debuted in the composer’s American tour, at another time of unrest and upheaval in Russia. Trifonev is well-equipped to take on what is considered among the most technically difficult piano pieces. This program also includes Symphonic Dances, a work encapsulating many ideas and much nostalgia.

Keep ReadingShow less
James H. Fox

SHARON — James H. Fox, resident of Sharon, passed away on May 30, 2025, at Vassar Brothers Hospital.

Born in New York, New York, to Herbert Fox and Margaret Moser, James grew up in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York. He spent his summers in Gaylordsville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep connection to the community.

Keep ReadingShow less