Sep 25, 2026 China Remains World's Largest Industrial Robot Market China installed 354,000 industrial robots in 2025, capturing 59% of global deployments, according to the IFR. Domestic robot makers supplied 55% of installations, while strong electronics, automotive and machinery demand continued driving automation and growth. Global Times

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From Qubits to Workflows: Rethinking Quantum Computing IBM is shifting quantum computing from standalone QPUs toward quantum-centric supercomputing, where CPUs, GPUs, AI and quantum processors share workloads. The approach treats quantum as another specialized accelerator within heterogeneous systems. EE Times

Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production High mix electronics manufacturing requires reliable material management. This white paper explains how BMK enhanced traceability, inventory accuracy and picking efficiency using integrated automated storage, digital workflows and reel-level visibility. Technical Paper

Meta gets to consumer AI device market before OpenAI, but Zuckerberg's strategy remains unproven Meta is expanding its AI strategy around Muse, pairing the agent with AI glasses and the new Muse Charm pendant. Zuckerberg aims to reduce reliance on smartphones and strengthen hardware distribution while developing transaction-based monetization for Muse. CNBC

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Delos Data Targets Heterogeneous AI with Data Interface Delos Data is developing Apollo, a silicon data-interface chiplet designed to connect GPUs, CPUs, accelerators, memory, and storage in low-latency domains. The startup targets major improvements in bandwidth, resiliency, scalability, and efficient AI infrastructure connectivity. EE Times

Problem Meeting Minimum Hole Fill During Wave Soldering We are having problems achieving the minimum hole fill of 75% on electrolytic capacitors using our wave soldering. What do you suggest? The Assembly Brothers, Jim Hall and Phil Zarrow, discuss this question and share their own advice. 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 Bring IPC Training to Your Facility Mobile training center offers IPC certified classes at your company’s facility making solder training effective and convenient for your entire team. BEST Inc.

Self-driving cars can be fooled by a surprisingly simple pattern University of Florida researchers found that repeated patterns such as stripes, fences, and grilles can confuse stereo-camera depth systems in autonomous vehicles, drones, and robots, causing incorrect distance estimates that may trigger sudden maneuvers, braking, or collisions. Earth

Measure Distant Asteroids With a DIY Rig Amateur astronomers can study asteroids by recording occultations, when asteroids briefly block distant stars. Using affordable telescopes, cameras and precise GPS timing, observers can map asteroid shapes, adding valuable measurements to professional astronomical research. IEEE Spectrum

Electroplating of Cu in TSV The research objective is to estimate metallurgical and mechanical properties of low alpha solder. Cu-filling property to TSV was also investigated. Technical Paper

Sponsor Need Improved Solder Joint Visibility? Solder Peel-A-Way® Removable Terminal Carriers in place and peel the carrier away for complete solder joint visibility on both sides of the PCB. Watch a video to see it in action. Advanced Interconnections Corp.

Gartner Predicts Only 5% of Organizations Will Make at Least 10% of Supply Chain Planning Decisions Autonomously by 2030 Gartner predicts only 5% of organizations using supply chain planning automation will make at least 10% of decisions autonomously by 2030. Data quality, human oversight, technology readiness and workforce skills will slow AI-driven planning adoption despite heavy investment. Gartner

Enclosures in the age of customisation Modern enclosure design supports IoT, AI, edge computing and automation with compact, thermally efficient solutions. Manufacturers combine advanced materials, modular architectures and new production techniques to manage complex electronics. New Electronics

High Reliability, Stress-free Copper Deposit To overcome the challenge of metallizing smooth surfaces, a new stress-free electroless copper was developed to serve this important sector. Technical Paper

Sponsor The "Fried Egg" Effect in Soldering Burnt-on flux residue that is visible on the solder mask of PCBs after improper reflow settings produces significant challenges to the reliability of finished boards. KYZEN

Palo Alto CEO says slowing down AI is 'unrealistic', extinction threat 'extremely small' Palo Alto Networks CEO Nikesh Arora says slowing AI development is unrealistic because companies will move at different speeds. He urges developers to test products thoroughly, build safety guardrails and take responsibility rather than relying on regulatory protection. CNBC

The case for bringing AI compute in-house (and on a road trip) Companies are bringing AI models in-house to cut token costs, protect sensitive data and run agentic workflows. Local hardware enables adversarial model loops and overnight tasks, but IT teams must balance savings with security and access controls. IT Brew

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China's AI chip blitz arms Xi with a message for Trump: 'You can't choke us off' China has showcased new Huawei and Alibaba chips and advanced AI models ahead of Xi Jinping's U.S. visit, signaling resilience against American technology restrictions. Experts say Chinese firms still trail U.S. companies in chip performance, production and profitability. CNBC

The Development of a 0.3 mm Pitch CSP Assembly Process A major study looks at different aspects of the stencil printing process and their impact upon the assembly and reliability of CSP components. Technical Paper

Meta is trying VR glasses (again), this time with more IMAX Meta has unveiled lighter Meta VR Glasses, priced from $1,299.99, promising immersive entertainment through 5K displays, 3D content, spatial audio and IMAX support. The glasses also integrate Disney+ experiences, transforming movies into interactive virtual environments. TechCrunch

Nvidia's Open Weight Letter Is More About AI Sovereignty Than Anything Nvidia and major technology firms backed open-weight AI models, arguing they strengthen technological sovereignty. Open weights let businesses control model behavior, data, infrastructure, costs and deployment, while reducing dependence on providers' updates. Entrepreneur

Sponsor Corrosion, UV Protection for Power Transmission Moisture, corrosive gas, oxidation & UV blocking prop-erties. FLUOROSEAL® conformal coating for electrical contacts & ceramic insulator protection. AI Technology, Inc.

Big tech says AI can find a cure for cancer. So where is it? AI is advancing cancer detection, diagnosis, treatment planning and drug discovery, but experts caution that biology's complexity, limited data and regulatory barriers prevent quick cures. Researchers expect AI to improve personalised, equitable care while humans remain essential. The Guardian