By 2030, a so-called “Dark Factory” could emerge, where not a single person builds a car – only robots and AI systems do. The pioneers of these production facilities are the United States and especially China.
What exactly is a “Dark Factory” and why is it likely to become reality? A “Dark Factory” is a factory where the assembly lines are fully operated by robots and control AIs. The term “dark” comes from the fact that the facility could theoretically operate without light since there would be no humans on-site who rely on it.
Machines perceive their environment through sensors and do not require lighting, breaks, or rest periods (carscoops).
Industry experts from Gartner and Warburg Research believe that at least one car manufacturer will establish a fully automated assembly line by the end of this decade. The experts see particularly Chinese brands as potential pioneers (via carscoops & Auto News).
Also, Warburg Research analyst Fabio Hölscher considers it plausible, according to the industry magazine Auto News, that by 2030 the first fully automated car factory will emerge in China, where production will be entirely taken over by robots.
Hyundai and Mercedes Increase Automation
What role do Mercedes and Hyundai play in the development? Two manufacturers currently stand out with very concrete plans:
- Hyundai plans to use humanoid robots from Boston Dynamics in its plant in Georgia (USA) starting in 2028. The goal is scalable production with a capacity of up to 30,000 robots per year. This plan was presented at CES 2026 (Auto News)
- Mercedes-Benz is already testing the “Apollo” robot from the US company Apptronik at its Berlin plant. By 2030 at the latest, this robot is supposed to work alongside humans on the assembly line – with the clear goal of eventually taking over complete manufacturing sections (Auto News)
Both manufacturers are focusing on humanoid robots for complex assembly tasks, going beyond traditional industrial robotics. According to Auto News, the focus is on scalability, flexibility, and efficient series production that can adapt quickly to market changes.
According to industry reports, 12 out of 25 leading automotive manufacturers have pilot projects with advanced robotics in their own factories. This helps to reduce labor costs, improve quality, and shorten production cycles, which means better vehicles at potentially lower prices, Gartner analyst Marco Sandrone said in the consulting firm’s 2026 forecasts (Auto News).
Automated Unemployment?
What are the implications of this development for factory workers? Full automation does not necessarily mean mass layoffs. Instead, the nature of work will change. According to Auto News, Detlef Gerst from IG Metall explains that AI and digitalization will fundamentally change work in manufacturing. Employees will need more technical know-how and must collaborate flexibly with AI systems. Further training is crucial, according to Gerst.
Despite automation, IG Metall expects no job cuts, but a transformation: Many employees could shift to new roles in maintenance, logistics, or AI supervision. The focus will be on qualification rather than replacement (IG Metall).
That sounds easier than it is, as developments in other industries show. Many required further training are not approved, funded, or cannot even be taken advantage of (FAZ). The layoffs are as high as they have been in years, reminiscent of the financial crisis of 2008.
The first Dark Factories could become reality in just a few years. While manufacturers focus on efficiency and flexibility, unions and politics are already preparing for profound changes in the labor market. In Great Britain, for instance, a basic income has been proposed as a response to possible job losses due to AI.
