What are dark factories in China that work without any human intervention?
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China is pioneering 'dark factories' where robots produce goods nonstop without human intervention, boosting efficiency but displacing jobs. The trend is driven by industrial robots, AI, and IoT sensors, with major companies like Xiaomi and Foxconn adopting the technology.
China is at the forefront of 'dark factories', facilities where robots and machines operate around the clock without human presence. These fully automated plants rely on industrial robots, LIDAR navigation, infrared cameras, IoT sensors, and AI to manage production, quality checks, and logistics. Companies like Xiaomi, Foxconn, BYD, and CATL are leveraging this technology to increase output and efficiency. Xiaomi's Changping site produces one smartphone per second without human workers, while Foxconn has cut over 60,000 jobs at its Kunshan facility. The shift to automation has led to a significant drop in China's factory workforce, from 115 million in 2013 to under 85 million in 2025. However, new job opportunities are emerging in areas like robot maintenance, AI expertise, and cybersecurity, with China investing over $15 billion in retraining programs since 2020.
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