Hytera EMS is described as a tier one manufacturer in China, similar in capability to Foxcon as a comparison. This week, we tour the space-aged, futuristic factory of Hytera in Shenzhen and experience what it means to be a “super lean”, Industry 4.0 factory!

Hytera manufacturers at scale, producing products at very high volume, for a range of clients. In an effort to improve quality, they have concentrated on automating as many processes as they can. In the quest for perfection in manufacturing, they have developed many software and hardware solutions not found in traditional manufacturing plants, that enable them to control precisely the manufacturing techniques used in their factories. This includes 6 axis robots for assembly, 3D X-ray and AI controlled analysis of solder paste application, component placement and reflow soldering, fully automated testing via robotics, humidity controlled and fully tested inventory, continuous production line from the warehouse via robotic delivery of components to final assembly of finished products in boxes! Its fair to say that Hytera is a world leader in automated, AI controlled manufacturing with 75% of a possible 80% of their current factory completely automated. Hytera isn’t stopping there. They are looking to build a generation 5 factory, which won’t even have lights on because it will be completely automated with no humans working inside.

Amazingly, they are still interested in Startups and even run their own Accelerator program for suitable candidates. Our tour of the factory included some insight into this program, where they explained why they would be interested in selecting a couple of Startups a year and provide access to manufacturing services and more in exchange for some equity in their business.

For many on the tour, this was the most sophisticated production environment that they had seen. Massive in scale, gleaming white and pristine, futuristic and automated with robots coexisting with humans … it was an awe inspiring factory tour.

For more on Hytera EMS visit their website here: http://www.hyteraems.com

For more about HardworX visit https://www.hardworx.io
For more about this series visit https://www.stateofelectronics.com
For more about Jon Oxer visit https://www.superhouse.tv
For more about Tom Partridge visit https://www.tectonica.net