BEIJING — China has launched the world’s first “dark factory,” a fully automated manufacturing plant where production runs around the clock without human workers.
Unlike traditional factories, the facility operates without lights, as machines and robots do not require visibility to function. By integrating robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and big data analytics, the factory is designed to maximize efficiency, precision and cost savings.
The start of dark factories marks a significant shift in global manufacturing, offering faster production cycles, consistent quality and reduced error rates compared to human-driven operations.
But the trend also raises questions about the future of work, employment and how societies will adapt as automation continues to reshape economies worldwide.