mandag 22. desember 2025

China’s Dark Factories: AI and Robots Take Over Manufacturing

China is entering a new era of industrial automation with the rise of “dark factories”—fully robotic manufacturing plants that require no human workers or lighting. Driven by artificial intelligence ( AI), robotics, and advanced sensors, these facilities mark a major shift in China’s global manufacturing leadership.

Dark factories are automated production sites where machines handle all tasks, including assembly, inspection, and logistics. Without human presence, they eliminate the need for lighting, heating, or break times, cutting costs and boosting efficiency. While still rare globally, China is advancing rapidly in this area, signaling a future where automation dominates production.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), China installed 290,367 industrial robots in 2022—52% of the world’s total. This far surpasses the U.S. and Japan combined, underscoring China’s commitment to automation.