Definition
A domain-bounded software production system in which humans specify intent, risk, and policy while a model-harness-environment system plans, builds, verifies, ships, observes, and repairs software with little routine human intervention.
Distinguish it from nearby terms
A dark factory is not simply code written by AI or a coding agent with autonomy enabled; it is an assurance claim about the complete production loop.
Check your understanding
Ask what domain is dark, who owns consequences, what evidence permits promotion, and how rollback and escalation work.