Core Insights - The report by AlixPartners indicates that the automotive industry is on the brink of a "Fourth Automotive Revolution" driven by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), which is expected to lead to the emergence of "unmanned factories" [1][2] Industry Transformation - Historically, the automotive industry has undergone significant manufacturing transformations approximately every 40 years, with the last major shift being platformization and modularization over 40 years ago [1] - The new revolution is characterized by AI taking over production processes, leading to increased manufacturing efficiency and reduced costs [1][2] Future of Manufacturing - In the envisioned unmanned factories, AI systems will take over operational decision-making, while programmable bionic robots will handle core tasks such as material handling and quality inspection [2] - The efficiency of vehicle manufacturing is projected to double, with direct pass rates exceeding 95%, and labor costs potentially decreasing by around 90% [2] Phased Implementation - The transition to unmanned factories will occur in three phases: 1. **Pilot Phase (2020-2025)**: Leading companies will begin smart manufacturing trials in new production lines and factories [3] 2. **Promotion Phase (2025-2030)**: Existing factories will undergo large-scale upgrades, with significant investments expected around 2027-2028 [3] 3. **Deepening Phase (2030-2035)**: As embodied intelligence matures, the industry will move towards a fully unmanned factory model, although achieving 100% automation remains uncertain [3]