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98 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2026 T his is the first of eight columns on creating and implementing a digital strategy for automa- tion. This does not mean every fabrica- tor needs to hire a staff of automation engineers. In my previous column, I proposed that much of the automa- tion and digitaliza- tion needed in PCB manufacturing can be accomplished by em- ployees you already have, using readily available technology and a do-it-yourself approach. Some of the best candidates for doing this work may already be working in your tooling (CAM) and maintenance departments. They know your processes, understand the equipment, and know where the problems are. With some addi- tional training, they can begin developing the skills needed to automate and improve those processes. Automation Has Become More Accessible Automation has come a long way in the past few decades. Unfortunately, much of the commercial equipment that aids in this endeavor is designed for manufacturing high-value products and comes with a price to match. PCB fabricators operate in a different world. A multilayer PCB can sell, on a square-inch basis, for less than doughnuts, al- though hopefully with better margins. Fortunately, several developments have made lower-cost automation much more practical. The maker community has produced an enormous selection of inexpensive microcontrollers, sensors, soft- ware, and development tools. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to build custom fixtures, housings, brackets, and mechanical components without an expensive machine shop. Online education has put programming and elec- tronics instruction within reach of almost anyone willing to learn. Put these together, and a PCB fabricator can build some surprisingly capable automation tools without spending a fortune. Over the next seven columns, I will look at prac- tical DIY projects that can be added to a manu- facturing operation. We will begin with sensors and specific gravity measurement, then move into colorimeters for measuring metals, ampere-hour monitoring for plating, conductivity sensors, 3D confocal imaging, low-cost panel transporters, and finally the use of collaborative robotic arms. The objective is not automation for automation's sake. Each project should solve a manufacturing problem, improve process control, collect useful data, and/or reduce repetitive manual work. Start Your Digitalization Strategy With Automation H A P PY'S T EC H TA L K # 5 0 BY H A P PY H O L D E N , I - C O N N ECT 0 07