What are AI dark factories

AI dark factories are factories where every step in the assembly line, every aspect of production is automated. They operate seamlessly sans any human intervention . They aren’t just another step forward in manufacturing and industry, they also mark the beginning of a new era , another industrial revolution perhaps and the symbolism of factories  operating without any light or any human presence whatsoever that goes with them is also in ways very deep. 

Benefits and Challenges , a look at both sides of the coin

By utilizing technologies like LIDAR(light detection and ranging), infrared sensors, a network of interconnected IoT devices and AI systems , these AI dark factories are optimizing manufacturing facilities for speed, scale and cost. They work round the clock and also outperform humans when it comes to quality control. Costs are further cut by avoiding expenditure on otherwise essential facilities for humans like ventilation and lighting. 

For all their benefits these dark factories present challenges of their own . They have exorbitantly high initial costs , the loss of jobs that go in hand also present a dilemma to governments when it comes to policy. Cybersecurity also becomes vitally important given that these factories rely entirely on AI and IoT making them very vulnerable.

Examples of Dark Factories

Xiaomi has one such facility in Beijing which is capable of manufacturing over 1 million flagship smartphones. Siemens at its Amberg plant has integrated dark factory operations. FANUC , a Japanese industrial automation leader has fully automated assembly lines where machines are built by other machines. 

From the looks of it, It’s only a matter of time before automation becomes the default, making way for smarter, faster factories and redefining productivity worldwide.