Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1488725
52 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2022 ing, tilling, and mulching in orchards, where high precision and performance are key. One final example comes from Japan- based Agrist which created an agtech robot for harvesting bell peppers. e robot uses vision guidance and a SCARA manipulator to pick individual peppers. Robots are showing up in consumer-fac- ing applications, handling last-mile logis- tics and distribution. Starnus Technology is developing a highly flexible autonomous mobile robot to enable third-party logistics companies to deal with rapidly changing operations. Samsung C-Lab spinoff EVAR recently introduced Parky, the world's first autonomous EV-charging robot. e mobile robot can traverse parking lots to meet EVs in need of a charge. And some robots are introducing new infrastructure applications. French robotics company, ACWA Robotics, has introduced a water pipe mapping robot. e robot moves through the pipes while the water is run- ning and can create a map of exactly where repairs are needed. is information helps the water utility to prioritize and execute infrastructure repair operations. Conclusion e years ahead are promising ones for electronics manufacturers. Innovation abounds and that will drive opportunity in a variety of places. e electronics indus- try is set to experience a period of signif- icant growth in the coming years, driven by innovation and new opportunities. New products and services are being introduced across a wide array of industries. New busi- ness models are being born. Electronics manufacturers will need to focus on being agile and continuously adapting to the changing landscape. From healthcare to robotic applications and beyond, technol- ogy is expanding. PCB007 by Kim DiCianni, IPC INTERNATIONAL The IPC APEX EXPO mobile app provides every- thing attendees could possibly need for the event, including viewing exhibitors, sessions, speakers, and products. Need information on an exhibiting company? With the IPC APEX EXPO mobile app, you can look up exhibitors by company name and search by product category—it's that simple. When an attendee registers and answers the demographic questions, the information enters their agenda planner and provides suggestions on exhibitors and sessions that may be of interest to them, which they can then add to their planner. If an attendee adds an event they are not registered for, the app will take them back to registration so they can add it. The planner will also notify attend- ees if they have any scheduling conflicts when add- ing events to their planner. When an attendee creates their schedule in the planner, they can sign into the app and their sched- ule will show under "My Schedule." The app also has features including "What's on Now," which will show them any events taking place at the current time. App users can also see a list of other attend- ees (limited information) and can request connec- tions with them. The app also allows users to see all of IPC's social media channels to keep on top of what IPC posts during the event. Although the printed show directory is a great resource, we all know that program changes inevi- tably happen as soon as the directory goes to print; with an app, users are always able to see the most up-to-date information. Changes to meeting room locations, additions or cancellations, etc., will be reflected within the app. The app also allows IPC event staff to send out push notifications during the event in case of any last-minute changes. Use this QR code (right) to download the IPC APEX EXPO Mobile App. Kim DiCianni, CEM, is director of trade shows and events for IPC. It's All in the App