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Robots and Crime

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Liang
  • Joseph J. Sabia
  • Dhaval M. Dave

Abstract

Leveraging county-level variation in exposure to industry-specific foreign-based robotics shocks, this study is the first to explore the relationship between U.S. robotics expansions and crime. Instrumental variables estimates show that a 10 percent increase in robotics exposure led to a 0.2 to 0.3 percent increase in property crime arrests. In contrast, we find little evidence of a relationship between robotics expansions and violent crime. Our estimates are consistent with robotics-induced declines in employment and earnings among low-skilled manufacturing workers. A back-of-the-envelope calculation suggests that during the period over which robotics exposure induced adverse employment effects, such exposure generated approximately $322 million (2024$) in additional crime costs nationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Liang & Joseph J. Sabia & Dhaval M. Dave, 2025. "Robots and Crime," NBER Working Papers 33603, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33603
    Note: DAE EH ITI LE LS PR
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D24 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Production; Cost; Capital; Capital, Total Factor, and Multifactor Productivity; Capacity
    • J20 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - General
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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