Based on the data of A-share manufacturing companies from 2011 to 2022, a double machine learning causal inference model was employed to meticulously examine the mechanisms and channels through which industrial robot applications influence digital technology innovation. The main conclusions obtained are: firstly, industrial robot application helps enterprises to improve the level of digital technological innovation. And industrial robots have not only become an important tool to promote the digital industry to realize a high level of scientific and technological self-reliance and self-improvement, but also an important way to help enterprises to create a dual advantage in the manufacturing field and the digital technology. Therefore, industrial robots may become a key area of economic and technological competition in the future. Secondly, the application of industrial robots will not only promote the enhancement of enterprise human capital, but also promote the enhancement of the level of macro and micro digitization.It will also help to improve the operational efficiency of enterprises.The above three channels also show the significant promotion of the application of industrial robots to digital technological innovation. Thirdly, in the conditions of relatively low business risks, high capital patience of enterprise, high level of expansion of digital technology innovation boundaries, the application of industrial robots will show a more significant role in promoting digital technology innovation.