Harsh Goenka shares Xiaomi ‘dark factory’ video where robots make a smartphone every second without lights; says ‘so much to learn from China!’

Industrialist Harsh Goenka has shared a striking example of how artificial intelligence and robotics are changing manufacturing. Goenka today shared a post about Xiaomi's automated factory in Beijing, describing it as a "dark factory" where machines handle production with little or no human presence on the shop floor. “Xiaomi’s dark factory where AI runs the entire production line, producing a smartphone every second. No workers on the shop floor. No lights. No breaks,” Goenka wrote in his post. He also pointed out that the AI systems used at the facility can monitor production, optimise operations and assist in repairing machines. “So much for us to learn from China!” he added.

What is Xiaomi's dark factory?

Xiaomi's smart factory in Changping, Beijing, is designed around extensive automation. The facility uses robotics, artificial intelligence, machine vision, sensors and automated logistics to handle different stages of smartphone production. The idea behind a "dark factory" is fairly simple. If machines are doing the work, there is little need for a brightly lit shop floor or traditional employee shifts. Automated systems can continue operating through the day and night. The facility covers about 81,000 square metres. It was unveiled as an autonomous manufacturing facility capable of producing high-end smartphones at a large scale.

How does the factory work without workers on the floor?

As per Xiaomi, the factory is not simply a conventional assembly line with robots. It's systems are designed to monitor what is happening across the production process and respond to changes. Xiaomi's Hyper Intelligent Manufacturing Platform, known as HyperIMP, acts as the central system connecting the manufacturing operations. Machines continuously generate operational data. AI-based systems can analyse that information, identify unusual patterns and adjust certain processes when required. Automated systems also handle tasks such as assembly, inspection and movement of materials around the facility. This reduces the need for people to remain physically present on the production floor.

One smartphone every second

The most eye-catching claim about Xiaomi's facility is its production capacity. According to Xiaomi's own information, the factory has an annual capacity of up to 10 million smartphones. At maximum capacity, that works out to roughly one smartphone every second.