Summary: New research from Wood Mackenzie warns that rapid growth in industrial robotics and embodied AI could drive global robot electricity consumption to 363 TWh annually by 2035, making energy availability a key factor in future automation adoption.

 

 

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The rapid expansion of industrial robotics, humanoid robots, and embodied AI is emerging as a significant driver of global electricity demand, according to a new report from Wood Mackenzie.

 

The study, Embodied AI: How Robotics Are Accelerating Global Power Demand, estimates that robots worldwide could consume up to 363 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually by 2035. Industrial robots are expected to account for approximately 357 TWh, while humanoid robots could add another 6 TWh each year.

 

Today, more than 5 million industrial robots operate globally, consuming around 78 TWh of electricity annually. If the sector continues expanding at roughly 12% per year, the global operational fleet could exceed 16 million units by 2035.

 

 

The report highlights China’s dominant position in the robotics market. The country accounts for over 70% of annual industrial robot installations, while Chinese companies deploy nearly 90% of the world’s humanoid robots. A notable example is China State Grid’s planned $1 billion investment in 8,500 AI-powered autonomous robots for grid inspection, maintenance, and high-voltage operations.

 

According to Wood Mackenzie, energy availability is becoming a critical factor for automation deployment. As labor shortages continue to affect many developed economies, robotics and AI are expected to play a central role in boosting productivity across manufacturing, logistics, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

 

The findings suggest that robotics energy consumption, industrial automation power demand, and embodied AI electricity usage will become increasingly important considerations for governments, utilities, and businesses planning future digital and industrial transformation strategies.