Aug 17, 2026 Self-driving Trucks are Officially Testing on California Highways Aurora Innovation and Kodiak AI have secured California permits to test autonomous trucks on public roads, following new rules allowing heavy-duty vehicles. Kodiak has begun testing, while both companies face safety restrictions and opposition from Teamsters. TechCrunch

Sponsor Vapor Phase Profiling Thermal profiling the vapor phase soldering process – especially those with vacuum – is challenging. ECD's M-VP™ sealed barrier can take it. Learn more. ECD

Intel at a Memory Crossroads, Again Intel is exploring a return to memory chips as AI reshapes the market and drives persistent demand. CEO Lip-Bu Tan has highlighted stacked DRAM, while XBM and ZAM initiatives could deliver major advances in bandwidth and memory architecture. EE Times

How pH Cleaning Agents Affect Production Performance Establishing a reliable cleaning process requires a good understanding of all influencing factors, including pH, and defining the correct balance to meet final product reliability. Technical Paper

Apple's first foldable could reshape its entire iPhone launch Apple may delay the standard iPhone 18 until 2027 while prioritizing three premium 2026 models, including its first foldable. Rising memory and materials costs could push Apple toward higher-margin devices, maximizing revenue from limited components & manufacturing capacity. The Street

Sponsor Dedicated Tool for Process Development Advanced plating capability at Uyemura Tech Center: Process Development, UBM, pilot production. ENIG, ENEPIG, EPIG/EPAG, RAIG immersion gold; all substrates. On-site analysis. Uyemura

How long will software-defined cars last? The auto industry doesn't know yet Americans are keeping cars longer, but software-defined vehicles may age faster as updates, obsolete hardware and discontinued services erode features, repairability and resale value, fueling calls for right-to-repair and long-term software support. CNBC

Problems With Wave Solder Lead Bridging We are wave soldering very close pitch through-hole components and see bridging. Is there anything you can recommend so we can reduce bridging on this component? Board Talk

Technical Papers ■ UHDI Fabrication for IC Substrates: SAP and mSAP Processes ■ Flux-Free, Reliable, Efficient: Soldering with Formic Acid ■ Redesigning Material Logistics for High-Mix EMS Production ■ Unlocking Academic-Industry Synergy: A Collaborative Model for Hands-On Electronics Manufacturing Education ■ Viscosity Does Not Equal Rheology: What Solder Paste Measurements Really Tell You ■ Salvaging Electronic Components: A Reliable Method for Reducing Electronic Waste and Ensuring Economic Reuse ■ Digital Warehouse Automation in High-Mix PCB Assembly ■ Evaluation of Techniques for Intentional Contamination of PWB Substrates for Quantitative Cleanliness Analyses MORE TECHNICAL PAPERS

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Self-driving cars in China can park, change lanes and drive like humans. Next stop: Europe Mercedes-Benz is bringing advanced driver-assistance systems to China, where Xpeng and Huawei already enable autonomous parking, dense-traffic navigation and complex maneuvers, intensifying pressure on European automakers to catch up quickly. South China Morning Post

Apple's CEO Tim Cook Visits Houston Foxconn Plant Amid Manufacturing Expansion Apple CEO Tim Cook visited Foxconn’s Houston factory, highlighting a new Mac Mini assembly line and manufacturing academy. The initiative strengthens U.S. production, supports small businesses with advanced techniques, and responds to rising AI-driven technology demand. Guru Focus

Reliability for High Temperature Power Computing This experiment considers the reliability of different electronic components and evaluates them on 0.200" power computing printed circuit boards with OSP. Technical Paper

Sponsor PAE Certification – Oct 2-5, 2026 Advance your expertise with the ESDA Process Assessment Engineer (PAE) Certification at the 2026 EOS/ESD Symposium. Learn ANSI/ESD SP17.1 principles to assess and improve EOS/ESD processes. EOS/ESD Association

Data centers in space could be a new frontier for insurers — if they can price the risk Tech giants are exploring orbital data centers, with SpaceX, Blue Origin and Google developing ambitious satellite plans. The shift could create a huge insurance market, but insurers face unprecedented risks, limited regulation and major challenges pricing coverage. CNBC

Calibration Is More Important For Battery Health Than You Think Battery calibration helps smartphones accurately estimate remaining power, preventing sudden shutdowns, inaccurate warnings, and unpredictable runtime. A full discharge followed by charging to 100% can reset battery readings, but it cannot restore lost capacity. BGR

Determination of Total Halogen Content in Halogen-Free Fluxes It is important for laboratories to follow robust methods to assure commercial products meet the safety requirements established. Technical Paper

Sponsor Viscom at SMTA Michigan & Ohio Join Viscom at SMTA Michigan (8/18/26) and Ohio (8/20/26) to discover the latest advancements in AOI and AXI inspection technology, including our powerful AI solutions. Viscom SE

Semiconductor Equipment Shifts To Build-to-Print Manufacturing Semiconductor fabs are pushing equipment demand beyond OEM capacity, making build-to-print partners vital. Contract manufacturers help OEMs scale, preserve capital and design control, and support global fab expansion without costly new facilities. EE Times

The US will let private companies hack back at cybercriminals for the first time A new White House program will let vetted private security firms launch offensive cyber operations against overseas criminal networks targeting Americans. Under federal oversight, firms can disrupt or destroy infrastructure, raising escalation risks. TechSpot

Sponsor More than just hot air Rehm's Vision series Convection Soldering Systems ensure reliable, high-quality electronics production by using precise heat transfer and customizable options for maximum efficiency. Rehm Thermal Systems

China built robots that can do backflips – but can they make money? Unitree Robotics' $9 billion IPO has sparked huge investor enthusiasm, but skeptics question its commercial readiness. Despite falling prices and rapid Chinese robotics growth, Unitree still faces challenges involving useful applications, battery life, precision, software, and geopolitical risks. CNBC

Controlling Voiding Mechanisms in the Reflow Soldering Process This paper reviews the factors that influence the incidence of voids in small and large area solder joints in LED modules. Technical Paper

Why the Founders Winning With AI Agents Aren't the Ones Automating the Most AI agents can automate repetitive tasks, but businesses should keep judgment human. By shifting mechanics to agents, founders can spend more time on strategy, empathy and decisions, turning saved hours into better thinking and lasting advantage. Entrepreneur

9 Disadvantages Of Satellite Internet Satellite internet has evolved from an expensive last resort into a viable broadband alternative, led by Starlink. However, higher costs per megabit, lower real-world speeds, and performance limitations still make fiber and 5G more attractive options. BGR

Sponsor X-Ray Inspection Verifies Quality of Complex PCBs A Netherlands-based PCB supplier relies on real-time X-ray inspection to ensure the quality of HDI, hybrid, multi- layer, flex-rigid & other complex boards. Glenbrook Technologies

When does a custom printed circuit board make sense for control? Custom PCBs can beat PLCs for compact, repeatable, cost-sensitive equipment, but manufacturers must weigh design, reliability and maintenance. ASU and Siemens offer PCB training, while Weidmuller flags AI workflows and supply resilience. needs. Control Design