May 4, 2026

AI productivity growth cannot match the computer revolution AI optimists predict a productivity boom, but early evidence shows minimal gains because verification burdens offset efficiency. While AI speeds drafting and coding, humans must check outputs for errors, limiting overall productivity unless robust verification systems emerge. Taipei Times

Sponsor High Temp & Chemical Resistant Epoxy Master Bond EP62-1AO is an electrically insulating adhesive that withstands harsh chemical environments while delivering thermal conductivity. View full specs. Master Bond

AI models that consider user's feeling are more likely to make errors Oxford researchers report in Nature that tuning large language models for warmer, more empathetic responses increases errors and sycophancy. Warm models were about 60% more likely to be wrong, when users express sadness, highlighting a warmth-accuracy tradeoff. ARS Technica

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's success is running into a familiar problem: not enough chips Apple beat expectations with record March-quarter revenue and profit, boosting shares and launching a $100 billion buyback. Strong iPhone and Mac demand still outstrips supply, while rising memory costs pressure margins even as services deliver solid growth. TechSpot

Sponsor Low Pressure Plasma for Electronics Expand your knowledge of plasma technology. Register now for the new PlasmaTalk webinar to learn how low-pressure plasma can advance your production. Plasmatreat

AI Won't Replace Leaders — It Will Expose Them. Here's What Most Are Getting Wrong. Executives increasingly assume stronger AI reduces the need for human judgment, but this belief is risky. While AI speeds analysis and decision-making, it lacks context and foresight, ultimately mirroring the quality, priorities, and limitations of human thinking behind it. Entrepreneur

SMT Processing using Printed Anisotropic Conductive Epoxy There are many options on the market for unpackaged, bare die with advanced capabilities, however these chips are often designed for wire bonding interconnection. This paper discusses three designs successfully transitioned from previously wire-bonded die to bare die direct-to-circuit attachment using standard SMT pick-and-place equipment. Technical Paper

Technical Papers ■ Scaling SMT Traceability ■ The Drawbacks of Internal Recycling Systems for Solder Dross ■ Engineering ESD-Safe PCB Assembly for High-Reliability IoT and Industrial Electronics ■ The Analysis of Variance: Drawing Conclusions from Data That Are Correct, Unambiguous, and Defensible ■ PCB Rework Evolves, With X-ray a Constant Support ■ How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance ■ A Universal AI-Powered Segmentation Model for PCBA & Semiconductor ■ RAIG Minimizes Corrosion, Allows Higher Gold on ENEPIG ■ High Reliability Lead-Free Solder Paste with Rosin and Anti-Crack Resin ■ Understanding Solder Dross: Causes and Control Strategies MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

Sponsor Built to Scale. Proven in Production. Microsystems World CNC boosted throughput and automation by trading up to a complete inline SMT solution—powered by Manncorp and designed for long-term growth. Manncorp Inc.

The hidden chokepoints threatening the global economy The Strait of Hormuz closure shows how supply shocks still catch policymakers off guard. Hidden chokepoints—from sulfur to semiconductors—can trigger cascading disruptions, highlighting the need for real-time visibility and stronger resilience to protect economies and security. Taipei Times

US telecom agency votes to expand crackdown on China The Federal Communications Commission advanced proposals to block Chinese labs from testing US-bound electronics and restrict firms like China Mobile Ltd from data operations, intensifying security curbs. China condemned the moves and warned of retaliation. Taipei Times

Minimum Lead to Lead Spacing for Wave Soldered Through-Hole Components What is the recommended minimum lead-to-lead spacing for through-hole components run through a wave soldering system? Jim Hall and Phil Zarrow, The Assembly Brothers, discuss this question and share their own suggestions. Board Talk

Sponsor Affordable Profiling Excellence Four channels of precision data capture from the most trusted name in thermal profiling. New and improved V-M.O.L.E.™ 2 is the ideal solution for budget-conscious electronics pros. Learn more here. ECD

Robotics to grow rapidly: Advantech executive Advantech expects rapid growth in its robotics business, driven by rising AI adoption and strong demand for AMRs and inspection robots. The company is expanding US operations, integrating advanced modules, and targeting healthcare, semiconductors, and automation as key growth markets. Taipei Times

How AI Is Transforming the Factory Floor Modern manufacturing is rapidly shifting from noisy, smoke-filled factories to intelligent, automated environments. AI-powered robots and vision systems boost efficiency, safety, and decision-making, while global robot adoption grows—led by Asia—signaling continued expansion and smarter industrial operations through 2030. EE Times

Kinetics of a Layer of Bismuth at the Anode of a Sn-Bi Based Solder Joint Electrical resistance of low temperature solder during current stressing was shown to have the thickness of continuous layers of Bi accumulated at the anode. Technical Paper

Sponsor Contaminant Removal with Plasma Plasma provides organics removal and other benefits to increase bond strength! Many chamber sizes available, all with a low environmental impact. Learn more. Plasma Etch

How to Build Obsolescence‑Resistant Systems in an Era of Rapid Tech Change Semiconductor obsolescence is intensifying as fast innovation clashes with decades-long product lifecycles. Companies must address risks early in design, as supply shifts, legacy component decline, and limited visibility into discontinuations threaten long-term availability across automotive, avionics, defense, and industrial sectors. EE Times

How Bright Is Bright Enough for AR in the Real World? As AR glasses reach consumers, brightness shifts from theory to real-world necessity. Devices must stay visible across changing lighting, especially outdoors. Engineers now balance brightness, efficiency, heat, and size, making optical performance critical to delivering reliable, everyday augmented reality experiences. EE Times

Sponsor iX7059 Series by Viscom: Inline X-ray Inspection Power High-performance Inline X-ray Inspection Systems for complex electronics, semiconductors, and power modules up to 200 kg. Seamless integration, AI-powered accuracy, and maximum reliability for every application. Viscom SE

Apple CEO Tim Cook warns of extended memory crunch. ‘We’ll look at a range of options’ Apple beats earnings but warns a global memory shortage will raise costs and constrain supply. Rising AI-driven demand is pushing prices higher across tech, forcing companies like Apple, Microsoft, and Meta to rethink spending, pricing, and supply strategies. CNBC

Analyzing 0402 Capacitor Defects With Stencil Printing Misalignment This study investigated the cause of tombstoning for 0402 capacitors in surface mount technology. Statistical analysis methods were used to determine if there was any difference. Technical Paper

China’s self-driving truck leaders say AI breakthroughs won’t accelerate rollout — here’s why Chinese autonomous trucking firms like Pony.ai and Inceptio say advances in language models don’t speed deployment. Instead, real-world driving data, partnerships, and regulation will determine timelines, with fully driverless trucks targeted around 2028. CNBC

Apple is Giving Up on the Vision Pro After Weak Sales and High Return Rates Apple reportedly halts Vision Pro development after weak sales of its $3,500 headset. The device struggled with discomfort, lack of a killer app, and high returns, prompting production cuts and a shift toward cheaper AR glasses. TechSpot

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

TIME100 Most Influential Companies of 2026 Foxconn expands into AI infrastructure, assembles Nvidia GB200 servers, and sees cloud and networking become its largest segment in 2025. AI server revenue jumps 170%, driving NT$8.1 trillion revenue as it builds factories and targets broader design roles. Time