In early 2024, Xiaomi, a titan in the tech industry, unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV), the SU7. This ambitious step into the electric automotive market not only represents a diversification of their product line but also signifies a bold claim to reshape mobility in the rapidly evolving landscape of electric transportation. With the production lines humming at their Beijing facility, foreign diplomats and corporate guests were among the first to catch a glimpse of this novel venture. However, it wasn’t until 2025 that Xiaomi opened its doors for public tours, allowing a larger audience to witness firsthand the prowess of their manufacturing capabilities.
The Popularity Surge of Factory Tours
Initially, the company scheduled only a modest number of tours—three per month for groups of 20. But the overwhelming enthusiasm that met the announcement quickly transformed the tours into a phenomenon. By July, Xiaomi expanded its offerings significantly, hosting daily tours on weekdays and multiple sessions on weekends, ultimately accommodating over 1,100 eager visitors. Yet, despite this increase, the demand was astronomical; registration for tours saw an astounding surge, with more than 27,000 applicants vying for a mere fraction of the available tickets overnight. Such popularity reflects not only the excitement surrounding Xiaomi’s technological innovations but also society’s increasing interest in the future of automated industries.
An Inside Look at Manufacturing Marvels
For those fortunate enough to secure a spot, the tour promises a dynamic experience. It begins at an exhibit hall showcasing Xiaomi’s revolutionary advancements in electric vehicle technology—an education into how far automotive engineering has come. The real thrill, however, lies in the factory floor itself, where visitors are transported via shuttle to observe the intricate dance of human and robotic labor across three of the factory’s six production lines. This marriage of technology and craftsmanship illustrates the growing trend towards automation in Chinese manufacturing, dubbed the rise of “lights-out factories,” where operations can run autonomously around the clock.
The experiences don’t conclude in the production area; guests are treated to exhilarating test drives of the Xiaomi SU7, where they can feel the power of the car’s acceleration firsthand, a moment that left one participant awestruck: “It felt awesome—takes off really fast, with an instant kick.” This immersive approach not only captivates visitors but also enhances the brand’s image as a leader in cutting-edge innovation.
A Shift in Employment Perspectives
As attendees navigate the factory, it becomes apparent how technological advancement poses both promise and anxiety for future generations. A poignant moment shared by a young visitor who remarked, “I need to study harder, otherwise I won’t be able to find a job in the future. It’ll be robots doing all the work,” speaks volumes about the shifting landscape of employment. This fear, rooted in the rise of automation and artificial intelligence, raises questions about the future of labor.
Indeed, Xiaomi’s endeavors mirror a broader trend within Chinese manufacturing, where the government has strongly endorsed advancements in robotics. The likes of Foxconn and other major players have shifted their operations towards high-tech automation, transforming former labor-intensive tasks into high-efficiency, machine-driven processes. This evolution isn’t just technological; it’s a race to redefine the workforce and retrain individuals to thrive alongside quickly advancing automation.
Future Implications for Industry and Education
The experiences and insights gained from Xiaomi’s factory tours are vital not only for understanding the company’s innovations but also for grasping the future trajectory of the manufacturing industry. Companies like Nio have similarly embraced this transparency, welcoming public eyes into their highly automated processes, which have already reached impressive levels of productivity through technology. As these factories emerge as both production powerhouses and marketing spectacles, there is a clear delineation of how industries will evolve, compelling educational institutions to adapt in fostering a workforce ready to embrace new technologies.
In essence, Xiaomi’s factory tours manifest a dual narrative of celebration and caution, beckoning both admiration for technological advancements while inciting deeper discussions about the future of jobs and education in an increasingly automated world.