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60 SMT Magazine • September 2015 the optics, strong and innovative partners are important. In this case, we have a good basic position in the city of Jena, which is a centre for optical science and technology and home of optical companies like Zeiss or Jenoptik. Las Marias: how do you help automotive elec- tronics companies address the cost of test issue? Kokott: A major point in the concept of the GO- EPEL AOI systems is modularity and upgrade- ability of components. The systems can contain a wide range of inspection and measurement technologies, for instance, multispectral illumi- nation—from UV to IR—360° inspection with rotatable angled-view camera module; wide ar- ray of measurement functions; and top/bottom inspection in one single system. Even the elec- trical adaption and functional test of optoelec- tronic components, such as LEDs and displays, is a possible feature. To be up-to-date even with older systems an upgrade path is possible until far into the past. Lastly, this saves costs for the expense of acquiring new systems. Las Marias: what are some of your toughest chal- lenges when it comes to providing solutions tar- geted at automotive electronics? Kokott: Customer-specific adaptations, which deviate from standard systems are of particular interest: mechanical system modifications, spe- cific inspection tasks, transport of special assem- bly forms or integration of individual camera modules in test cells of manufacturing equip- ment suppliers, just to name a few. In the ma- jority of cases, all this is easily implementable due to high-production depth and available development and production capacities at GO- EPEL electronics. For example, a special system was developed for the aviation industry which allows inspection of special assembly with a length of up to 1.60 meters. Las Marias: how do you address the increasingly strict regulatory requirements in automotive elec- tronics manufacturing? Kokott: By working closely together with part- ners, cooperating with research institutes and having the possibility of developing customer specific solutions, we cope with the high regu- latory requirements. Las Marias: what qualifications are required for your company to get on an automaker's accred- ited vendor's list? Kokott: Typically, there is a multi-staged evalu- ation process for system selection between dif- ferent providers, starting with a paper bench- mark followed by visiting the suppliers, and finally test installation of a system in the pro- duction line. Furthermore, the growing interna- tionalization requires an extensive service and support network. The certification according to ISO is a basic requirement. Las Marias: what will be the key driver for auto- motive electronics innovation? Kokott: There are many kinds of innovation drivers. Increased comfort in the car and high- class infotainment systems are becoming more and more important. A special point of interest is electromobility: Integrated power electronics generates completely new types of assemblies. Las Marias: what is your outlook for the automo- tive electronics test and inspection industry? Kokott: The inspection in all directions is an important issue (e.g., 3D measurement of sol- der joints, components and even entire assem- blies). We follow the strategy of combining different test and inspection technologies for maximum error detection—for example the combination of AOI and AXI. And of course, Industry 4.0 will set the direction of the next decade regarding data exchange, networks and intelligent production control. Las Marias: what are some of the other main drivers for new products in your business? Kokott: In the first place, it's the customer with his demand. But it is also the cooperation and partnership with research institutes that leads to new ideas and possible solutions. However, this can also cause new challenges: It is a long HOW AutOmOtIve eLeCtrONICs Are DrIvING AOI DeveLOpmeNts continues FeAture interview