Samsung’s mobile-device factory in Gumi, South Korea is a marvel of automation. From the moment you step foot in the facility, it’s clear that nearly everything is handled by machines. The process of putting on shoe covers, a necessary requirement to enter certain areas, is even automated. The factory is filled with the sound of whirring bots, blowing air gaskets, and shifting mechanical arms. Autonomous robots known as AGVs roam the factory floor, shuttling materials to their designated stations. With 80 of these robots in operation, it’s no wonder that Samsung’s facility is able to produce over a million flagship phones per month.
Visiting Samsung’s mobile factory offers a glimpse into the highly regimented and automated production process that the company employs. It becomes evident why it takes so long for new devices to go from concept to commercially available products. Not only does Samsung need to ensure that cutting-edge technologies like foldable screens and rollable displays function properly, but they also have to develop new machines and integrate inspection processes into the production line to assemble them at scale. Every component, no matter how seemingly minor, has its own designated spot within the production line for quality checks. Despite rigorous testing, Samsung has faced controversies in the past with malfunctioning products, such as the infamous Galaxy Note 7 recall in 2016 and the delayed launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019. However, the company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, with concepts like slidable displays and mixed reality projects in the works.
Inside Samsung’s Mobile Factory: A Glimpse into the World of Automated Production
At Samsung’s mobile-device factory in Gumi, South Korea, automation is the name of the game. From the moment you step foot into the facility, you can hear the sound of bots whirring and mechanical arms shifting positions. The entire production process, from the assembly of components to the packaging of finished products, is handled by machines. Even the process of putting on shoe covers, required to enter certain areas of the factory, is automated.
One of the key players in the factory is the AGV, or automated guided vehicle. These robots roam the factory floor, shuttling materials to their designated stations, guided by aluminum tracks on the floor. With 80 of these bots in operation, Samsung’s Gumi facility can produce over a million flagship phones per month, including models like the Galaxy S23 and the new Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Visiting Samsung’s mobile factory provides insight into the intricacies of the production process and the reasons behind the time it takes for new devices to go from concept to commercialization. In addition to ensuring the functionality of cutting-edge technologies like foldable screens, Samsung also needs to develop new machines and integrate inspection processes into the production line to assemble these devices at scale. Every component, no matter how small, has its designated spot on the production line for quality checks.
Despite extensive testing, Samsung has faced controversies in the past regarding malfunctioning products. The infamous recall of the Galaxy Note 7 in 2016 and the delayed launch of the Galaxy Fold in 2019 due to broken screens are examples of such issues. However, the company continues to focus on quality control, with 30,000 to 50,000 inspection items for the Galaxy S23 lineup alone. From the S Pen connection to the SIM card tray, every aspect of the device undergoes rigorous testing.
The production line at Samsung’s facility is a blend of automation and human labor. While robots diligently move partially assembled devices along the conveyor belt, employees work alongside them, ensuring the quality and efficiency of the process. Nearly a thousand employees are involved in the assembly line alone. Beyond the factory floor, Samsung also has an automation lab where current and upcoming devices are tested under normal use conditions. The lab is equipped with robots that perform various tasks, such as folding and unfolding devices, plugging and unplugging accessories, and simulating workouts.
After witnessing the extensive testing and production processes at Samsung’s facility, it becomes clear why it takes time for new gadgets to make their way to the market. Samsung has been showcasing concept devices with innovative features, such as slidable displays and mixed reality projects, at events like CES. While it remains to be seen when these concepts will become commercial products, it is evident that Samsung is continuously pushing the boundaries of technology in its labs, far out of sight.
Takeaways:
- Samsung’s mobile factory in Gumi, South Korea, is highly automated, with robots and machines handling most of the production process.
- The facility produces over a million flagship phones per month, including models like the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
- The production line involves rigorous quality checks for every component, ensuring the reliability of Samsung devices.
- Despite past controversies, Samsung continues to focus on quality control and extensive testing.
- The company’s automation lab is where devices are tested under normal use conditions, simulating real-world scenarios.
- Samsung is constantly working on innovative concepts and technologies, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of mobile devices.
