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Case study

Enhancing PCB inspection with edge AI: Improving accuracy, efficiency and compliance

Industrial

In high-volume electronics manufacturing, precision is everything. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) must meet strict quality standards while keeping pace with demanding production schedules. To address these challenges, a global provider of 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) systems partnered with Eurotech to bring artificial intelligence and edge computing directly into their inspection platforms.

The result was a high-performance, cybersecure solution that enables real-time analysis of complex 3D imaging data directly at the edge. This partnership highlights how Eurotech’s rugged and intelligent edge platforms can modernize quality control, improve productivity, and ensure compliance in the most demanding industrial environments.

The customer is a globally operating manufacturer specializing in AI-driven inspection technology for PCBs. Known for their strong focus on innovation and quality, they deliver cutting-edge AOI systems that support electronics production lines worldwide.

 

Challenges

 

In their effort to evolve AOI into a smarter, more autonomous solution, the client faced several key hurdles. Processing high-resolution 3D imaging data in real time required substantial computing power, which needed to be embedded directly in the inspection units. Ensuring cybersecurity compliance, particularly in regulated markets, was another major priority. Additionally, the system had to operate reliably in factory environments characterized by high temperatures, mechanical vibration, and electromagnetic interference. Finally, they needed a modular, scalable solution that could accommodate diverse inspection needs and support future expansion.

Solution

 

To meet these goals, the company selected Eurotech as their edge computing partner. Eurotech delivered industrial-grade Edge AI solutions equipped with multi-core CPUs and GPU acceleration, providing the computational power necessary for high-speed machine vision and AI inference. The platforms came pre-integrated with the Everyware Software Framework (ESF), enabling seamless connectivity to industrial protocols and support for on-device AI application deployment.

Eurotech’s solution also included secure boot, encryption, and tamper detection to ensure data protection from device to cloud. Built for rugged use, the edge systems were optimized for long-term operation in harsh conditions. Together, we successfully created an edge-native AOI solution with all the power, flexibility, and security needed for modern electronics manufacturing.

Results

 

The integrated solution brought substantial improvements to the client’s inspection process. AI applications running at the edge enabled highly accurate, real-time detection of defects, significantly increasing throughput and first-pass yield. With faster and more reliable quality control, the client reduced operational costs associated with rework and scrap.

Cybersecurity was no longer a concern, as the system’s end-to-end protections ensured compliance with international standards. And thanks to the modular architecture, the client was able to scale the solution easily across their product lines and adapt it for new applications, ensuring long-term value from their investment.