That they're AI-based aliens kinda obviated things even more, from where I'm standing they should definitely have figured out automation and automation factorie

That they're AI-based aliens kinda obviated things even more, from where I'm standing they should definitely have figured out automation and automation factories and only needed resources as input. Digital consciousness with no factory automation? Not a smart move. Skynet and the AIs of The Matrix and Horizon: Zero Dawn all got that right.