Lights-out factory : Advancements, challenges, and prospects for fully autonomous manufacturing

Kadirgama, Kumaran and Subramonian, Sivarao and Abdul Khalim, Abdul Zuhair and Salleh, Mohd Shukor and Md Ali, Mohd Amran and Al-Obaidi, Abdulkareem and Pujari, Satish and Phanden, Rakesh Kumar and Vates, Umesh and Mohamed Kassim, Anuar (2025) Lights-out factory : Advancements, challenges, and prospects for fully autonomous manufacturing. International Journal of Technology, 17 (2). pp. 537-564. ISSN 2086-9614

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Abstract

Lights-out factories, or fully autonomous factories, integrate robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable continuous, human-free production. Initially conceptualized in the 1980s, early implementations faced technological and economic barriers. However, advancements in AI-driven predictive maintenance, real-time analytics, and IoT connectivity have enhanced feasibility. This study paper employs a qualitative comparative analysis framework to examine the evolution, key technologies, and challenges of lights-out factories, particularly through Fuji Automatic Numerical Control (FANUC) and Tesla case studies. The concept of lights-out factories is evolving rapidly, driven by advances in artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, and cyber-physical systems (CPS). Predictive maintenance algorithms, for instance, reduce downtime by 30%, while smart sensors boost production efficiency by 20%. Fully autonomous factories have shown labour cost savings of over 35%, especially in high-volume operations. These trends highlight the shift toward data-driven, self-regulating manufacturing with minimal human involvement. While lights-out factory increases efficiency, lowers labour costs, and enhances product quality, challenges such as cybersecurity risks, high capital investment, and adaptability to production variability remain. Workforce displacement further necessitates reskilling initiatives to sustain employment. AI-driven decision-making, collaborative robotics, and blockchain-secured IoT networks will improve flexibility and security in the future. Industry 5.0 emphasizes human-machine collaboration, shifting from full automation to synergy between AI and human oversight. Addressing integration challenges through strategic investments, innovation, and regulatory frameworks will determine the long-term success of autonomous manufacturing. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the opportunities and challenges associated with lights-out factories, offering insights into their viability in modern industrial landscapes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Advanced manufacturing, Dark-manufacturing, Fully autonomous manufacturing, Internet of Thing (IoT), Lights-out factory, Robotics manufacturing
Divisions:	Faculty Of Industrial And Manufacturing Technology And Engineering
Depositing User:	Sabariah Ismail
Date Deposited:	13 Jul 2026 08:40
Last Modified:	13 Jul 2026 08:40
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/30001
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

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