Productronica 2023: It’s a Wrap!

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

It’s the last day of productronica 2023, the doors are closed, and will not reopen until November 2025. The show was a success, however, there is still talk about uncertainty in the economy. Of course, those that service the defense industry are busy, while other industries lag behind. As exhibitors finished up their last conversations, the halls began to empty out, final sales were made, and IPC wrapped up its World Hand Soldering Championship. Even the rain let up for a bit.

On the technology front, it seemed that every aisle displayed robotic arms demonstrating how they can move panels or parts from one process to the next. Clearly, the need to automate is in the forefront of purchase decisions. Along with the mechanization and software, the digital factory was an ongoing conversation as the need to capture and interpret data is growing. As we looked at equipment on the floor, the conversation included the software and the user interface, along with connectivity.

Artificial Intelligence was also talked about in many booths, but one conversation in particular with a new Swiss AOI company piqued our interest as they used the term “neural network” to describe their approach to AI, while other companies are using AI algorithms. They connect their learning AI neural network to their new patented optical heads, and now think that they will change how we approach AOI. We conducted an in-depth interview with the president of this new company that will be published in the coming days. It’s certainly something worth paying attention to.

On the bare board fabrication side, we found a growing number of solder mask inkjet machines on the show floor, and I expect we’ll see more in the coming shows as this technology continues to improve and becomes more widely accepted. Altix, a Real Time with... productronica 2023 event coverage sponsor, was showcasing its latest inkjet machine. In addition to Altix, we would like to thank all our event coverage sponsors: MYCRONIC, Koh Young America, Cogiscan, Rehm Thermal Systems, and TSK Schill. Be sure to look for their video interviews along with others and our full photo gallery at Real Time with... productronica 2023.

In addition to the exhibition and ongoing forums, IPC wrapped up its 2023 World Hand Soldering Championship. This global competition has been going on for several years and has become an important event that really demonstrate the top skill level of the industry.

Congratulations to Yao Tang from Shenyang Railway Signal, the 2023 world champion. She received a cash prize, certificate from IPC, a trophy, and multiple gifts from sponsors of the competition.

Friday has traditionally been student day where hundreds of students take in the productronica experience, and this year was no exception. Students interact with the exhibitors to learn about the technology and industry. Of course, the robotic arms and mechanized machines get a lot of attention. The students also enjoy the trade show gifts from a variety of booths, along with the food. This certainly is a great way to introduce youth to the industry.

>> You don't want to miss our video and photo coverage of this event at Real Time with... productronica 2023.