siliconindia | | JULY 20229smart factory robotics, biometric scanners, autonomous farming devices, and others gaining popularity across the globe. Thus semiconductor industry will flourish in the era by accelerating digital adoption across industries. The ongoing R&D efforts in semiconductors are directed at making every device smarter and thereby making every user perform better. Researches indicate that total R&D spending by semiconductor companies is expected to rise by a CAGR of 5.8% between 2021 and 2025 to $89.3 billion, which further underscores the relevance of semiconductor innovation and the concerted efforts by industry players to drive the mission forward.In India, the government has rolled out an extensive plan to encourage semiconductor manufacturing and exports. This as the major milestone and there is a need to collectively work towards creating a sustainable innovation, research and manufacturing model.What are the benefits and challenges involved in application of 3D technology in semiconductor industry?3D printing is emerging as a viable alternative to manufacture customized semiconductors in smaller quantities. The technology has gained more relevance in the wake of the supply shortage affecting the industry in recent times. The implications of semiconductor shortage have been felt across the industries, with automotive and consumer electronics being the most affected. Application of 3D printing in semiconductors will be one of the best ways to address this challenge.3D printing in semiconductor manufacturing can enhance the product designsby adding innovative features, improving performance, reducingcosts of manufacturingas well as increasing scope for geometric optimization Currently the focus is on printing flexible circuits using tightly woven silver nanowire-based composites. DMP additive manufacturing has many benefits including increased conductivity and consolidation.What are the emerging industries that rely on semiconductors?Almost every industry today relies on semiconductors in one way or the other. Now, these factories are transforming into highly automated process centres with the help of robotics, which has led to productivity improvements at exponential levels. Thus,acceptance of robotics and semiconductor technology has grown significantly in the modern industries.While it is true that semiconductor innovations will impact every industry in the coming years, they will all be driven by the latest trends like AI, IoT, Edge Computing (Cloud), and other emerging applications like AR/VR. The growth of 5G networks is also driving the demand for higher performance computing devices. In short, the design of every electronic gadget such as smartphones, voice assistants, wearables, or automotive accessories is influenced by this technology transformation. Research indicates that manufacturers who can meet the demands of AI and IoT semiconductor chips are likely to lead the future semiconductor market. Further, reports also suggest that semiconductor companies that focus on delivering end-to-end solutions for specific industries and expanding to newer segments beyond computing, storage and network technologies will gain an edge in the market.What is the importance of digital transformation in the semiconductor industry?Like any other industry, semiconductor industry is also impacted by digital transformation. The impact will be clearly visible in semiconductor manufacturing, which is characterized by highly complex and time-consuming processes - from R&D to wafer processing, and from assembling to testing and packing. With digital, each of these processes can be improved, in terms of quality and quantity.With Industry 4.0 emerging as the requisitefor digital businesses, semiconductor manufacturers cannot sit back and relax. The use of AI/ML, IoT, Edge and AR/VR can all enable newer ways to boost performance, reduce costs and improve reliability. For example, research indicates that adding intelligence to materials and products facilitates fully decentralized operations, leading to increased flexibility and productivity. With advanced ML, manufacturers can predict failures at different stages like materials, products, supply chain and customer engagement. IIoT-based sensors are used for collecting data, while smart surveillance/tracking solutions provide 365x24 hours real-time monitoring. Considering the scale and complexity involved in semiconductor manufacturing, such DT initiatives will drastically enhance productivity while also improving decision making capabilities.As the semiconductor industry seeks a proactive measure to address the semiconductor shortage, Industry 4.0 is the best way forward. In India, the momentum has just begun, both for semiconductor manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Thus, it would be ideal for the industry players in India to embrace advanced technologies from the beginning itself, which will give them an edge among global, established competitors.
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