New IPC White Paper Focuses on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Automated Optical Inspection in Electronics Manufacturing
February 6, 2025 | IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
A new white paper, “Unlocking AI for Automated Optical Inspection” released today by IPC’s Chief Technologist Council, focuses on AI’s role in AOI processes for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs). According to data within the white paper, recent advancements in technology, particularly in Cloud AI, IoT and Smart Manufacturing, have provided opportunities to further enhance AOI performance. AI solutions leveraging deep learning and edge computing technologies have shown significant improvements in AOI accuracy and efficiency.
While the white paper focuses on the application of computer vision AI for automating inspection (i.e., applying AI for pattern recognition on inspection images), the rapidly growing availability and maturity of generative AI presents future possibility in generating inspection criteria.
Key focus areas within the white paper include:
- AI systems explanation
- The use of AI in AOI
- Challenges with deploying AI on the manufacturing floor
- “AI Enhancement to AOI for PCBA” project
- Technical Strategy Recommendations
“AI has shown significant potential in the realm of AOI, particularly in improving detection accuracy, reducing manual intervention and improving production efficiency. It presents many opportunities for the electronics manufacturing industry to increase reliability, speed up time to market and reduce costs and time associated with manual adjustments to systems,” said Matt Kelly, IPC chief technology officer and vice president of technology solutions. “However, several challenges must be addressed before AI can be widely adopted on electronics manufacturing production floors. AI research, industry collaboration and an ecosystem of standards, will help close the gap in AI adoption within the electronics manufacturing industry.”
Download “Unlocking AI for Automated Optical Inspection" here.
Suggested Items
GlobalFoundries to Acquire MIPS to Accelerate AI and Compute Capabilities
07/09/2025 | GlobalFoundriesGlobalFoundries announced a definitive agreement to acquire MIPS, a leading supplier of AI and processor IP. This strategic acquisition will expand GF’s portfolio of customizable IP offerings, allowing it to further differentiate its process technologies with IP and software capabilities.
LITEON Technology Reports Consolidated June Sales of NT$13.6 Billion, Up 16% Y-o-Y
07/08/2025 | LITEON TechnologyLITEON Technology reported its June consolidated revenue of NT$13.6 billion. Thanks to the growth from power management in cloud computing, advanced server, and networking, the revenue is up 2% M-o-M, 16% Y-o-Y. The cumulative sales for January to June totaled NT$76.8 billion, up 24%, Y-o-Y.
Inside Aimtron’s Cross-border EMS Strategy
07/08/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineMukesh Vasani immigrated from a very small farming village in India to the U.S. in 1995 as a civil engineer. After shifting into electronics, Mukesh built his Chicago-based company, Aimtron, into a successful enterprise by combining quality with competitive pricing. He leveraged his roots in India to expand manufacturing without compromising on quality.
Be the Partner Engineers Can Rely On
07/08/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineGreen Circuits’ unique niche in the electronics manufacturing industry comes partly from its location in Silicon Valley, but also from its specialty of serving up quick-turn prototypes and low-volume work with high-complexity production. In this conversation, CEO Michael Hinshaw emphasizes the value of end-to-end services, especially while the pace of R&D development is accelerating amidst a growing demand for complexity across industries.
Electronics Industry Wrestles with Cost Pressures and Weaker Profitability
07/07/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationElectronics manufacturers are facing rising material and labor costs according to the Global Electronics Association’s June Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.