Why data, AI, and robotics are driving the next wave of automation

Modern SMT lines are already highly automated today. Printers, placement machines, and inspection systems perform many process steps autonomously, continuously generating data on processes, material flows, and quality. Powerful software detects deviations, calculates optimization suggestions, and reports material requirements. Nevertheless, one crucial step is often still left to humans: the evaluation of this information, as well as the decisions based on it and their implementation. Bernhard Fritz, Head of Global Marketing, ASMPT SMT Solutions