Xiaomi unveils new autonomous smart factory that operates 24/7 without human labor

In brief: Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has unveiled a new autonomous smart factory that has the capability to produce 10 million handsets per year while also identifying and correcting production issues and optimizing the entire process.

Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun shared that the 860,000-square-foot facility in Beijing’s Changping district is a step up from a lab-level smart factory built in 2019. The new factory features 11 production lines that can churn out Xiaomi’s flagship MIX Fold 4 and MIX Flip phones at a rapid rate.

Share your thoughts on Xiaomi’s Smart Factory in the comments. pic.twitter.com/5TU5ts9aMS

– Lei Jun (@leijun) July 8, 2024

The factory operates 24/7 with minimal human presence on the floor. The “War Room” is where a small team monitors the Xiaomi Hyper IMP (Intelligent Manufacturing Platform) that runs the operations.

Xiaomi’s smart factory leverages AI to identify and resolve production issues, minimizing the need for human intervention. It is equipped with the IMP that streamlines processes from raw material procurement to delivery, enabling the factory to continuously optimize and evolve itself.

Visit our “War Room,” the nerve center of our factory, where our Xiaomi Hyper IMP (Intelligent Manufacturing Platform) oversees operations, proactively addressing issues and enhancing production efficiency. pic.twitter.com/6ZWhOm5wle

– Lei Jun (@leijun) July 9, 2024

Automation in manufacturing is not a new concept, but Xiaomi’s smart factory sets a new standard by pushing the boundaries of automation in the production process. The use of robots and AI technology minimizes the need for human labor in diagnosing and fixing production issues.

Beyond manufacturing, automation is also making its mark in other industries. Amazon, for instance, has significantly increased its use of autonomous machines in its fulfillment centers and warehouses, showcasing the trend towards automation in the workforce.