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38 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JUNE 2025 Feature Interview by Marcy LaRont I-CONNECT007 As automated optical inspection (AOI) evolves from traditional end-of-process inspections to proactive, in-line solutions, the integration of AI and machine learn- ing is revolutionizing defect reduction and enhancing yields, marking a pivotal shi in how quality is managed in manufacturing. Giovanni Obino, senior director of indus- trial digital solutions at MKS' Atotech, dis- cusses the remarkable advancements in AOI technology over the past decade and the imperative for PCB manufacturers to embrace digital transformation. Smarter Machines Use AOI to Transform PCB Inspections Marcy LaRont: Giovanni, the advanced abili- ties of AOI machines are contributing an even higher level of defect reduction and increas- ing yields. The nexus between software and hardware has never been so important or impactful. What progression have you seen in the past 10 years? Giovanni Obino: ere has been so much tech- nological change in the past 10 years that it feels like we've progressed 50 years. Some of the most important changes in AOI equipment have been the transition from 2D to 3D and the introduction of AI and machine learning.