(ECNS) - Foxconn Industrial Internet, a subsidiary of the world's largest contract manufacturer Foxconn, has enabled most of its production lines and factories to be fully automated by using industrial Internet solutions, said its vice president Vincent Chen.

At a forum organized by Tencent, Chen said that many clients were surprised by Foxconn's lights-out factory where no human workers are needed.

Chen said a lights-out factory can reduce labor costs, improve manufacturing quality, cut down on energy use, and increase data and production safety, among other notable benefits.

The Foxconn unit, which is known as FII and makes electronic devices, cloud service equipment and industrial robots, just announced plans to raise up to 27.1 billion yuan ($4.26 billion).

Chen added that Foxconn will not only achieve smart manufacturing itself but also empower small and medium-sized companies to upgrade production through offering an industrial Internet solution based on artificial intelligence.

A combination of sensor technology, smart logistics and automated industrial control systems will make it possible to have customized industrial products, according to Chen.