How Automotive Electronics are Driving AOI Developments

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In an interview with I-Connect007, Jens Kokott, head of AOI systems at GOEPEL Electronic, discusses the increasing need for continuous development of testing technologies to cater to the innovations happening at breakneck speed in the automotive electronics industry.

Stephen Las Marias: Please tell us about the major changes or trends you have witnessed during the development or evolution of the automotive electronics industry.

Jens Kokott: In the automotive electronics industry, the challenges regarding 100% functionality of all components are growing constantly. That means maximization of quality assurance and inspection depth in production processes. In connection with new innovative components and production technologies, this requires permanent development of inspection technologies. We experience an increasing transition from “inspecting” to “measure,” especially when it comes to different kinds of application (e.g., distance measurement of components or spatial allocation of components [3D measurement]). Furthermore, Industry 4.0 is on the horizon: requirements according to different MES (manufacturing execution systems) connections have established themselves in the meantime to an extremely important part of the overall system.

Las Marias: What are the impacts of these trends for test and inspection companies?

Kokott: Through the use of new components and introduction of new innovative production technologies, continuous development of testing technologies is necessary. Permanent contact with the automotive manufacturers and electronic manufacturing companies is necessary to know new requirements. High investments in development are inevitable to prepare the test and inspection systems. Cooperation with research institutes and suppliers is essential to incorporate the latest technical developments into the systems. Especially regarding the optics, strong and innovative partners are important. In this case, we have a good basic position in the city of Jena, which is a centre for optical science and technology and home of optical companies like Zeiss or Jenoptik.