A Chinese factory has showcased a new phase of industrial automation—one where human workers are no longer required. Dubbed the “dark factory,” this facility runs entirely on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, eliminating the need for lighting, lunch breaks, or labor laws.
What is a Dark Factory?
A dark factory, as the name suggests, operates in complete darkness since robots do not need light to function. The facility in question, located in Changping, China, is a next-generation manufacturing hub that uses AI and big data to streamline production 24/7. Unlike traditional factories, where shifts of workers assemble products, this facility relies solely on machines for everything—from material handling to final assembly.
A Smartphone Every Second
Consumer electronics giant Xiaomi has spearheaded this revolution by launching a fully automated facility that is capable of producing one smartphone per second. The factory integrates AI-powered self-adjusting systems that optimize production efficiency while minimizing errors. Additionally, Xiaomi has implemented a fully automated dust-removal system, eliminating the need for cleaning staff.
To put things in perspective, Xiaomi has invested 2.4 billion yuan ($330 million or approx ₹2,750 crore) into this 81,000-square-meter facility, which has the capacity to produce 10 million smartphones annually. The facility will focus on manufacturing Xiaomi’s flagship foldable phones, including the MIX Fold 4 and MIX Flip.
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The Impact of Automation on Jobs
While robots have been assisting in manufacturing for decades, a fully autonomous factory like this raises concerns about the future of human employment. With AI replacing monotonous tasks, the demand for low-skilled labor could shrink drastically, leaving millions of workers jobless.
According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, 23% of jobs worldwide will be significantly impacted by AI automation in the next five years. The same report highlights that 42% of business tasks will be automated by 2027, pushing companies toward AI-powered solutions.
Beyond Xiaomi, other Chinese companies are also investing in similar AI-driven facilities, setting a trend that could reshape the global workforce.
Is the World Ready for AI Dominance?
The shift to dark factories has sparked concerns among policymakers, labor unions, and economic analysts. Some argue that AI-driven automation is advancing too fast for society to adjust, with experts drawing comparisons to the Industrial Revolution’s disruption of manual labor.
Even leading AI researchers have expressed concern. The “Godfather of AI,” Geoffrey Hinton, famously quit his role at Google in 2023, warning that the world is “walking into an AI-driven nightmare” without sufficient safeguards.
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