Oct 2, 2026 SpaceX Just Revealed That Orbital Data Centers Will Be Here Sooner Than You Think SpaceX plans to launch its first orbital data center satellites in 2027, aiming to expand AI computing capacity with solar-powered systems in space. However, heat dissipation, launch costs and maintenance pose challenges to its ambitious Starmind project. BGR

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North American EMS Orders Outpace Shipments in August as Bookings Rise 53.5% Year-Over-Year North American EMS activity strengthened in August, with the book-to-bill ratio reaching 1.39. Shipments rose 1.0% year over year, while bookings jumped 53.5%, signaling strong demand despite component shortages and extended lead times. Global Electronics Association

How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance Establishing a reliable cleaning process requires a good understanding of all influencing factors, including pH, and defining the correct balance to meet final product reliability. Technical Paper

Manufacturing PMI rises to five-year high Taiwan's manufacturing PMI hit 63.4 in September, its highest since August 2021, as AI hardware demand fueled growth. New orders eased, while material shortages, rising costs and longer lead times pressured production. Services also expanded. Taipei Times

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Atlas Robot's New Hand May Outperform Humanlike Designs Boston Dynamics redesigned Atlas's hand for mass production, prioritizing ruggedness, reliability, repairability and cost over humanlike appearance. The 13-DOF design uses fewer, larger actuators and supports tool use and advanced manipulation. IEEE Spectrum

Is There a Standard Usage Rate for Stencils? Is there a recommended usage rate for stencils? Is there a way to determine when it's time to replace a squeegee? 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

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AI is getting cheaper faster than almost any technology in history AI model costs are plunging, with Epoch AI finding the price of achieving a set performance level nearly halves each quarter. The trend could make advanced AI more affordable while pressuring developers to protect pricing power and margins. TechSpot

Small Electronics Manufacturers Save Big on ERP Electronics SMEs are adopting manufacturing ERP software tailored to their needs, avoiding the cost and complexity of traditional systems. The approach connects BOMs, inventory, purchasing, production and traceability while improving efficiency. EE Times

Capacitive Sensor System Using Printed Electronics on Window Glass The authors demonstrate how to produce a capacitive sensor system on three millimeter window glass by combining the piezo-jet technology and a pick-and-place system. Technical Paper

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Computer science has long understood how to keep AI under control AI agents aren’t "going rogue" when they hack systems; they pursue assigned goals within loose constraints. Recent attacks by OpenAI, Anthropic and Google highlight the need for tighter limits, authentication and human oversight to prevent harm. Asia Times

Apple's long-rumored smart home hub might finally arrive next month with a 6-inch display Apple reportedly plans to launch a smart home hub Oct. 13, combining a 6-inch display, speaker and upgraded Siri AI. The device will personalize content for users and control smart home devices, marking Apple's entry into a new category. TechSpot

Additive Manufacturing Printed Circuit Board Assembly Processes Utilizing 3D printing, the design process can be shortened and the manufacturing of the jigs and fixtures can replace the cost and lead time of traditional manufacturing. Technical Paper

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Electricity Theft Is Rampant, but Delhi Found a Fix Power losses drain grids worldwide, with more than half of reporting countries losing at least 10% of electricity in 2023. Delhi cut losses from 50% to 5% in 25 years, showing how upgrades, reforms and enforcement can curb waste and theft too. IEEE Spectrum

Bill Gates says robots should pay FICA taxes when they replace human workers Bill Gates renews his call for robot taxes, arguing automation could erode payroll-tax revenue as machines replace workers. He proposes taxing robotic labor like human wages to fund Social Security, Medicare, retraining and a stronger safety net. TechSpot

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Europe's Space Industry Seeks Greater Supply Chain Control ESA warns Europe's future space systems face semiconductor and supply-chain risks. It is pursuing commercial electronics, production scale, AI-driven design and sovereign supply chains while preparing for 6G satellite networks and tighter rules. EE Times

Electrical Testing of Passive Components Substrates have become more critical with regard to pitch and density leading to increased use of buried components. This paper reviews testing for buried capacitors. Technical Paper

QR Codes Explained Invented by Denso in 1994, QR codes have evolved from a factory tool into everyday infrastructure for payments, tickets and device pairing. As retailers adopt 2D codes, attackers increasingly exploit them for phishing, scams and fraud online. TechSpot

Apple's New CEO Has Big Plans. Here's What He's Planning to Change. John Ternus is moving Apple toward faster product launches, a broader device lineup and leaner management. The new CEO is eyeing smart glasses and other markets while cutting costs and layers to fund growth without rapidly expanding headcount. Entrepreneur

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North American PCB Shipments Jump 23.5% in August, Extending Strong 2026 Growth North American PCB shipments rose 23.5% year over year in August, while the book-to-bill ratio reached 1.29. Bookings fell sharply after July's surge, but YTD shipments and bookings increased 15.5% and 38.7%, respectively. Global Electronics Association