Apple to make iphone batteries on automated production lines

According to DigiTimes, Apple wants to make its iPhone batteries on automated production lines as early as this year. A good sign that Apple is on the right track with this approach is the fact that its Mac Pro and iMac production lines are already automated, with only materials and final assembly falling in the hands of workers. If machines are able to churn out such spectacular-looking computers (with a little help), minting batteries should be a breeze. 

Although Apple will be able to locate its automated production lines everywhere, the company will retain its positions in China, as most of its supply chain is established there. However, the iPhone maker is seriously looking into mechanizing the production process, because the Chinese manufacturing industry is increasing its costs. According to the report, local minimum wages have been on the rise, and younger workers are not as willing to work in factories as before. However, the People's republic will remain a dominant manufacturing destination for Apple and other technology vendors, while Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, are still dealing with labor strikes and lack of large-scale infrastructure.

Obviously, machine building will reduce the need for human labor, while boosting production efficiency. The former benefit is especially welcome, because Apple has been a constant target of labor rights controversies due to its large reliance on Chinese contract manufacturers, such as Foxconn and Pegatron. The most recent movement intended to pressure the company into clearing its production process of benzene and other 

If machines are able to churn out Mac Pros and iMacs, minting batteries should be a breeze.

toxic chemicals. Automation could go a long way with solving such health hazards, but it incurs the cost of creating less work positions. This could be a concern for employers, because if Apple succeeds with automating battery production, other vendors are expected to do the same, and this will surely make an impact on the manufacturing industry.

 

source: DigiTimes