NextFlex Workshop on AI for Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing
The Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing community assembled at UMass Boston on June 10 for a half-day workshop. The event featured keynote speakers and breakout sessions aimed at providing attendees with insights and guidance on how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are transforming the field of hybrid electronics manufacturing. These technologies are enabling the creation of smarter edge devices through advancements in design, process control, and system intelligence.
The workshop began with an opening keynote delivered by Mason Glidden, Chief Product and Engineering Officer at Tulip Interfaces (at left). During his talk, Mr. Glidden emphasized the significance of leveraging AI tools to augment workstreams, while maintaining the critical role of human interaction. He provided several examples illustrating how AI advancements enhance manufacturing processes, including accelerating circuit layout generation—especially for intricate 3D and conformal designs—optimizing material selection and process parameters, and enabling real-time in situ monitoring with closed-loop control to improve yield and consistency. Furthermore, the integration of AI and ML into devices facilitates localized decision-making, predictive maintenance, dynamic system calibration, and autonomous operation at the point of use. It also supports the optimization of supply chain logistics.
Two breakout sessions followed the opening keynote. The first session, titled “Design to Deployment,” centered on gathering input regarding design processes, supply chain challenges, and future implications of AI for edge devices. The second session, “Materials, Process, and Manufacturing,” emphasized manufacturing tool control, material development, process optimization, and automated testing and qualification. During these sessions, participants shared the challenges they have faced using AI/ML tools, whether commercially available or proprietary, and expressed the need for reliable resources and guidance. Additionally, attendees suggested that NextFlex consider developing a roadmap to direct the community toward optimal outcomes.
The event concluded with a closing keynote delivered by Dr. Khasha Ghaffarzadeh, CEO of TechBlick, who provided an insightful overview of advancements in printed and hybrid electronics manufacturing, supported by numerous examples of ongoing work. A comprehensive report summarizing the breakout sessions will be shared with members and workshop attendees, and the presentations from the workshop have been made available on the NextFlex Member Portal.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing the continued momentum we generated in the workshop.
Sincerely,
Dr. Dan Gamota
NextFlex Executive Director
