China Unveils the Future of Manufacturing with ‘Dark Factory’ Technology
In a groundbreaking leap towards industrial automation, a new “dark factory” in Changping, China, is redefining the manufacturing landscape. This facility operates entirely in darkness, driven solely by artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, eliminating the need for human workers, traditional labor laws, and even lighting. It stands as a beacon of next-generation efficiency, producing an astonishing one smartphone per second.
Consumer electronics giant Xiaomi has taken the lead in this automation revolution, investing 2.4 billion yuan ($330 million) into an 81,000-square-meter facility capable of producing 10 million smartphones annually, including its flagship foldable models, the MIX Fold 4 and MIX Flip. The factory boasts an advanced AI-powered system that maximizes production efficiency while a fully automated dust-removal mechanism ensures a pristine working environment without the need for cleaning staff.
However, this shift towards complete automation raises pressing concerns about the future of employment. While robots have been integral in manufacturing for years, a facility operating entirely without human oversight could lead to a drastic reduction in demand for low-skilled labor. According to the World Economic Forum, 23% of jobs worldwide may be significantly impacted by AI automation within the next five years, with 42% of business tasks potentially automated by 2027.
Critics, including prominent AI researchers, warn that the rapid advance of automation may outpace societal adaptation. Comparing the transition to that of the Industrial Revolution, they stress the urgent need for safeguards. As awareness of AI’s potential to disrupt traditional employment grows, the global workforce faces a pivotal moment, compelling policymakers, labor unions, and economists to consider the implications of a fully automated future.