Sep 15, 2026 Digital Keys and Radio Technology in Smart Buildings Digital keys are evolving beyond traditional locks, offering personalized, time-limited access and entry tracking. Modern systems use rolling codes, secure chips and proximity technology to improve security, but relay attacks remain a challenge, driving demand for stronger protection. EE Times

Sponsor New SELECT Synchro soldering system A multi-station selective soldering system that uses a unique, synchronous motion to increase throughput, improve cost-of-ownership, and provide flexibility for electronics manufacturers. Nordson Electronics Solutions

What happens when driverless cars break the law? Driverless cars are spreading across cities but face parking fines, technical failures and emergency-response conflicts. Waymo has amassed thousands in penalties, while unclear laws leave authorities uncertain how to hold autonomous vehicles accountable for violations. Popular Science

Scaling SMT Traceability High-mix electronics manufacturing requires precise material control. This whitepaper explains how Tecnimaster improved traceability, inventory accuracy and picking efficiency through integrated automated storage and reel-level tracking. Technical Paper

Apple releases test of redesigned Siri AI before iPhone 18 hits stores this week Apple has released iOS 27 with its redesigned Siri AI assistant, available initially in beta through an opt-in waitlist. The AI uses personal data, on-device models, and cloud computing, while introducing usage limits and broader language support. CNBC

Sponsor Image Sensor Packaging: 5 Key Challenges Solved Filter glass sealing, CTE mismatch, fine-pitch processing, warpage control, and outgassing – learn about AEC-Q100-compliant adhesives for automotive image sensor packaging. DELO Industrial Adhesives

The art of not making an AI safety deal with China The US and China plan to resume AI safety talks after a two-year pause, aiming to improve transparency and prevent reckless competition. Both sides must separate safety cooperation from geopolitical disputes while establishing practical guardrails for increasingly powerful AI systems. Taipei Times

Is There a Test for Black Pad? We have identified black-pad and are concerned it may extend to assembled PCBs. Is there a nondestructive test that can be performed on assemblies? The Assembly Brothers, Jim Hall and Phil Zarrow, use their expertise in the industry to answer this question. Board Talk

Technical Papers ■ Oxide Reduction for Reliable Electronics Manufacturing ■ UHDI Fabrication for IC Substrates: SAP and mSAP Processes ■ Flux-Free, Reliable, Efficient: Soldering with Formic Acid ■ Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production ■ Unlocking Academic-Industry Synergy: A Collaborative Model for Hands-On Electronics Manufacturing Education ■ Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You ■ Salvaging Electronic Components: A Reliable Method for Reducing Electronic Waste and Ensuring Economic Reuse ■ Digital Warehouse Automation in High-Mix PCB Assembly MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor SMTA Mexico – vAI ProVision vAI ProVision: Smarter Inspection Programming Discover vAI ProVision by Viscom at SMTA Mexico, Booth: 343. Using proven inspection strategy and AI, it creates optimized inspection programs faster, reducing workload and enhancing reliability. Viscom SE

Gobal market AI momentum showing signs of vulnerability, BIS says The BIS warned that the AI-driven stock market rally faces growing risks as investors question future profitability, while rising tech debt and leverage threaten financial stability. Geopolitical tensions, fiscal pressures and higher bond yields could further challenge market resilience. Taipei Times

AI Agents Are Becoming More Humanlike. Are Entrepreneurs Ready to Embrace the Future? OpenAI, Anthropic and Google are advancing AI agents beyond chatbots, enabling autonomous, multi-step workflows. These systems can handle research, coding, communication, and analytics, helping businesses automate complex tasks, improve productivity and support decision-making. Entrepreneur

OEM and EMS to Combat Head on Pillowing Defects This paper evaluates AXI results from different machine platforms and results from similar platforms operating at different facilities. Technical Paper

Sponsor Automation in Transition The world of automation is changing. What does this mean for customers? And what impact is the transformation having on providers? Find out more from a panel of experts. SCHUNK

Microsoft sets limits for future AI models as industry throttles frontier development Microsoft has proposed a code of conduct for AI models, emphasizing human autonomy, safety and transparency. The guidelines restrict harmful content, prevent models from developing independent goals, and address cyber risks as the company seeks broader input before 2027. CNBC

Ambient IoT: From Battery-Free Promise to Mass-Market Reality Ambient IoT is gaining momentum as battery-free devices spread across logistics, smart buildings, agriculture and consumer markets. Investment, standards and energy harvesting are accelerating commercialization, while cybersecurity and interoperability remain key challenges. EE Times

Void-Free Soldering with a New Vapor-Phase with Vacuum Technology Equipment has been developed to achieve void-free joints under these conditions utilizing modern condensation reflow technology. Technical Paper

Sponsor Low Outgassing, Glob Top Epoxy Master Bond EP17HTND-CCM is a glob top epoxy that meets NASA low outgassing specifications and forms high strength bonds to a wide variety of similar/dissimilar substrates. Master Bond

China says AI CEOs' call for a slowdown is 'fear mongering' China rejected U.S. calls to slow AI development, warning that confrontation could hinder global governance. Chinese officials urged stronger AI safety controls while pursuing technological leadership, as U.S. leaders stressed competition with China and national security risks. CNBC

How China is preparing for the risk of AI escaping human control China is watching U.S. warnings about powerful AI models escaping human control. Experts share key concerns, but China emphasizes technical standards, regulation, security reviews and state oversight to keep AI development controllable and strengthen safeguards for autonomous agents. Reuters

Sponsor Reclaim Your Factory's Future Space is a precious resource. With SELECT Synchro, reclaim it, and reimagine your factory's workflow for greater efficiency and scalability. Nordson Electronic Solutions

OpenAI boss Sam Altman spells out how and why the AI industry wants to slow down: 'We could lose control' OpenAI CEO Sam Altman backed slower frontier AI development, independent evaluators and consistent safety rules, warning against reckless progress and concentrated power. His comments follow Anthropic's safety push, intensifying U.S.-China tensions over AI leadership and regulation. CNBC

Testing PCBs for Creep Corrosion This paper covers the iNEMI technical subcommittee test for creep corrosion using a flowers-of-sulfur based qualification test. Technical Paper

AI stocks sink while cybersecurity shares rally on slowdown fears AI-related stocks tumbled as safety concerns and calls to slow model development rattled investors. Chipmakers, server vendors and data-center firms fell sharply, while cybersecurity companies surged as demand for AI protection and monitoring gained momentum. CNBC

Small Indian Manufacturers Hit Data, Legacy-System Barriers to Scaling AI Indian manufacturers are moving AI beyond pilot projects, but scaling remains difficult due to inconsistent data, legacy equipment, and varied processes. Experts stress plant-level data, contextual knowledge, and collaboration to build scalable, autonomous manufacturing systems. EE Times

Sponsor You need clear soldering results? The SEHO PowerVision AOI system is for fast, automated optical inspection. Designed for THT processes & focusses on 2 points: Continuous quality assurance & cost-efficient production processes. SEHO Systems GmbH

Gartner Reveals Top Technology Trends in Government Gartner identifies agentic AI, adaptive cybersecurity, quantum readiness and workforce modernization as key government technology trends for 2026. Agencies must strengthen AI governance, cyber resilience and digital skills to meet citizen demands. Gartner