When it comes to the development and production of electronics, quality is key. If you don’t have the best materials, specifications, and designs, your product won’t turn on. If you can’t produce your electronics in a fast, consistently high-quality way, you won’t be able to keep up with competition. It’s a very fine balance to keep.
So, what do you do in order to succeed? Look at what’s new, what’s changing, and what’s innovative. Adapt alongside innovation and look for solutions that can help you maintain quality, increase output, and stay compliant. Predict what’s next and implement before your competitors catch on.
We did some research on how the world of electronics automation is developing, and the following is what we learned about what to expect over the next five years. But before we get to that, let’s look at where electronics manufacturing has been.
How Has Electronics Automation Advanced in Recent Years?
Electronics automation has advanced rapidly over the last decade. In addition to the invention and adoption of brand-new technologies, existing technologies are constantly being refined and improved to be more cost-effective.
For example, nanomanufacturing is now able to manufacture material on a molecular level. This futuristic technology is expected to lead to higher efficiency batteries, transistors, semiconductors, and solar cells.
Further developments in electronics automation have led to the utilization of industrial robots fitted with more sophisticated measurement, sensing, and process control transmitters for delicate work and improved data tracking abilities. There are also more and more 24-hour manufacturing machines, which can perform repeatable actions without a need for breaks.
Aside from refinements, new types of automation have become increasingly practical in recent years. Perhaps most notably, the rise of 3D printing. Previously 3D printers were too large and too slow to be useful, but newer machines have made giant leaps forward and are creating novel supply chain and retail opportunities.
The Future of Electronics Manufacturing Automation
1. Things will become more connected – and that’s a good thing!
One of the biggest changes to expect in the future of electronics automation and manufacturing is an increase in how connected all things are. The principle of this connectivity is frequently referred to as the Internet of Things (IoT). With electronics automation, this could appear as automation systems that are controlled or powered through wi-fi, accessed through tablets or mobile devices.
2. More robotics, and more human-robot collaboration
Robots are the future of all automation, electronics included. That’s because robots can’t get tired or distracted like human workers can. While robotics lack the imagination of human workers, they’re going to see increased use in both simple and complex electronics manufacturing assembly lines. Smart companies will seek out custom solutions that use both robotics and human workers to the individual strength of each, increasing your businesses’ overall performance.
3. Artificial intelligence’s role in automation will increase
Artificial intelligence is already a part of your day-to-day life. You experience it via your smartphone, your smartwatch, your tablet, your computer. Artificial intelligences not only know how to complete tasks, they can make choices based on the tasks they complete. This sort of adaptability will be potentially huge in the future of manufacturing. There are plenty of applications for artificial intelligence in electronics automation, too. Stock monitoring that knows to order new parts as they’re needed. Predictive-maintenance programs, visual inspection access, and self-adapting manufacturing processes are all things to be looking for.
4. Agile project management will set successful businesses apart
Being cutting edge starts with the best products and processes, but ongoing success depends on how those products and processes are managed. Most companies are working with the same toolbox of robotic equipment, vision systems, conveyors, and control systems. For companies to succeed in the future, they’re going to need to seek out automation solutions that go beyond those basics and offer adaptable project management that grows alongside trends outlined in this post as well as others to come in the future.
Staying competitive in an industry as dynamic as electronics manufacturing isn’t easy. The best way to keep an edge is changing with the industry, staying adaptable and listening to innovations like the ones listed in this post. Companies like Summit Engineered Automation understand that, which is why we offer top-to-bottom electronics automation and manufacturing solutions. Get in touch with us today if you’d like to learn more about the services we provide.