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86 SMT007 MAGAZINE I MAY 2025 AI: Revolutionizing Inspection in Electronics Manufacturing Smart Automation Feature Column by Josh Casper, Horizon Sales Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a staple in our personal and pro- fessional lives. In electronics manufactur- ing, integrating AI to combat common inef- ficiencies and to contextualize data will open new doors into how we supplement our tra- ditional processes. In some specific areas of the electronics manufacturing process, inte- gration of AI on the factory floor is already having a tremendous effect. One such area is PCBA inspection, particularly 3D automated optical inspection (AOI) systems. ese machines ensure the quality and reliabil- ity of PCBs by detecting defects that could otherwise compromise performance, qual- ity, and longevity. AI-driven programming of 3D AOI machines is drastically improving efficiency, accuracy, and adaptability in elec- tronics manufacturing. The Evolution of AOI Technology AOI systems have been a crucial part of electronics manufacturing for decades. Tra- ditional AOI machines relied on 2D imag- ing and basic rule-based programming to inspect PCBs for defects such as soldering issues, component misalignments, and miss- ing parts. However, they oen struggled with "false calls" and defect escapes because of variations in component appearances, light- ing conditions, and board design. 3D AOI technology addresses many of