The Rise of Dark Factories

For decades, fully automated facilities were the subject of futuristic on-screen movies. Now, they’re a reality.

China’s dark factories are proving that robots and automation are fully capable of working on their own, and they’re setting a new standard for the world at large. Companies like BYD, Xiaomi and luxury EV car brand Zeekr are all running plants where lights, heating, and humans are absent, while production continues at full steam ahead.

The question is: how far away is the rest of the world from catching up?

Dark factories on the global stage

It’s no secret that China has become a global leader in manufacturing. Their dark factories are cutting-edge, innovative, and leading the way for the rest of the world. Naturally, other shops are learning from these automated hubs and applying principles to their own shops.

The first takeaway most shop owners glean is that complete automation is possible. While some are still skeptical about the long-term efficacy of robots, it’s hard to argue with the results that companies like Xiaomi, BYD and Zeekr are experiencing, at scale.

The second consideration is energy. Where dark factories are less human-powered, they require massive amounts of energy – and China is well set up to meet these demands. The Xinjiang province is home to solar and wind farms, which produce enough energy to be exported to other parts of the country. As for oil and gas, China has made sure they’ve diversified supply, too.

Is it time Australian manufacturers looked for secure, diversified supply too?

robot arms

Are dark factories coming to Australia?

While manufacturing in Australia is modest compared to China, it’s advancing by leaps and bounds. Demand for robots like those from Bovone and Roboticom has soared in the past few months, across a range of industries.

The glass and advanced materials sectors are leading the way for early robot adoption in Australia, with major transformations unfolding.

No doubt, you’ve heard talk of these changes through the grapevine. If you’re attending AMW this year, you’ll undoubtedly gain more perspectives – plus tangible details to help you make strategic decisions for the future.

We’ll be at the show, ready to answer your questions. Book a meeting with us today for an in-depth discussion.