Hardware Podcasts

IPC at Electronica 24: AI in Manufacturing, Talent and Training with John Mitchell

EMS@C-LEVEL · 12 Dec 2024 · 9m

What this episode covers

John Mitchell, President and CEO of IPC, discusses the intersection of AI, talent shortages, and training in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) industry at Electronica 2024. He argues that AI should act as an accelerant for new engineers by capturing tribal knowledge from retiring experts, rather than replacing human workers. Mitchell highlights how AI can personalize training by identifying specific skill gaps, drawing parallels to language learning apps and fast fashion supply chain optimization.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
IPC, Koh Young, Global Electronics Association
Also
Electronica 2024, Why Nations Fail, Make Me Fluent, Jumpspeak

Related episodes from other shows

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 21m

    How Technology is Changing the Manufacturing Game w/ Dr. John Mitchell

    Dr. John Mitchell, President & CEO of IPC (the Global Electronics Industry Association), discusses the transformation of manufacturing from manual labor to high-tech operations. He highlights IPC's initiatives like IPC Edge for scalable workforce training and the Factory of the Future program, which helps manufacturers adopt AI and automation without massive capital expenditure. Mitchell also addresses the current semiconductor supply chain crisis, attributing it to the rapid shift in automotive production during the pandemic, and outlines IPC's engagement with government policy on semiconductors and infrastructure.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringAI & machine learning
    8 chapters

  • OnTrack · 39m

    Innovations in AI: Transforming the Electronics Industry

    Phil Marcoux, Advisor to the Printed Circuit Engineering Association (PCEA), discusses the transformative role of AI in the electronics industry, emphasizing that successful AI integration relies on high-quality, human-generated data and closed-loop feedback between manufacturing and design. He warns against the current 'AI bubble' where startups receive funding without defined products, drawing parallels to the dot-com era and the early adoption of Surface Mount Technology (SMT). Marcoux highlights specific applications such as component availability checks via tools like Wenovo and Circuit Mind, and the critical need for standardized communication protocols like IPC CFX to bridge the gap between design and production.

    AI & machine learningDesign for manufacturing & NPI
    7 chapters

  • OnTrack · 33m

    The Critical Shift: Bridging the Generational Gap in PCB Design

    Cory Blaylock, Director of Workforce Partnerships at IPC, discusses the critical generational gap in the electronics manufacturing industry caused by the retirement of experienced workers who gained their skills before manufacturing moved offshore. He details IPC's new Department of Labor-approved national apprenticeship program, designed to provide a standardized 'plug-and-play' model for employers to upskill workers and attract new talent through high school and community college partnerships. Blaylock highlights the shift in perception of manufacturing from 'dirty jobs' to high-tech STEM careers and explains how stackable apprenticeships can lead to engineering roles or frontline leadership.

    Hiring & workforceCareers & education
    7 chapters

  • The Manufacturing Executive · 39m

    Starting Small With AI and Emerging Manufacturing Technology w/ Jarred Knecht

    Jarred Knecht, founder of AI quality inspection software KonnectAi and president of ProEV and ECI, explains how his family’s wire harness business evolved from industrial sectors to EV and defense markets. He details the development of KonnectAi, an AI-powered visual inspection tool designed to replace the irreplaceable institutional knowledge of veteran inspectors like 'Joe' without adding cost or complexity. Knecht discusses the challenges of implementing technology in traditional manufacturing, emphasizing a 'baby steps' approach to workforce adoption and the strategic value of AI in business development and talent retention.

    AI & machine learningHiring & workforce
    6 chapters

  • OnTrack · 32m

    What to Expect at IPC APEX 2025: Standards, Innovation & Networking

    Dr. John W. Mitchell, President and CEO of IPC, discusses IPC APEX 2025, describing it as North America's largest electronics manufacturing event that combines an exhibition, technical conferences, and standards development. He highlights the event's focus on workforce development, including the new Learning Lounge and the Emerging Engineer Program, to address the industry's aging workforce and skills gap. The conversation also covers emerging technologies like Ultra-High Density Interconnect (UHDI) and advanced packaging, noting the challenges of reshoring this capacity to the US despite government investments from the CHIPS Act.

    Manufacturing partners & offshoringHiring & workforce
    8 chapters

The summary, chapters and topics are generated from the episode’s audio by this directory, not written by EMS@C-LEVEL. The episode itself belongs to its publisher.