New research enables durable, self-folding soft robotics using embedded circuits, while India’s electronics supply chain gains momentum as Apple’s recycling efforts have reached new heights.

Researchers developed origami-based soft robots using embedded Joule heating in liquid crystal elastomer hinges.

Apple reported increased use of recycled materials, reaching 30 percent across its product lineup and 100 percent in key components such as PCBs.

Cisco is evaluating DEScycle’s modular metals recovery system at demonstration scale, processing PCB scrap to assess recovery performance.

Researchers developed intrinsically stretchable complementary circuits using photo-patternable polymer semiconductors, achieving stable transistor and logic performance under 100 percent strain at low operating voltage.

Stackpole expands RMAN aluminum nitride chip resistors.

Controlar introduces PicAI Probe Inspection System.

Delo introduces Photobond MG Series medical electronics adhesives.

Athena Technology launched FabOrchestrator agentic AI MES platform.

Wally Rhines discusses the latest ECAD market data, highlighting continued growth trends and emerging risks across design tools and semiconductor software in the PCB Chat podcast.

PCEA and the SMTA Capital Chapter are sponsoring a webinar, “Design for Sourcing,” presented by supply chain expert Ed Dodd of Cofactr, starting at 1 p.m. EDT on April 21 and May 5.

PCB East 2026 exhibition floor is sold out, with more than 85 exhibitors and expanded participation including AMD, Cadence/EMA, Indium, Lattice and Parmi.

PCEA is offering free technical sessions and a keynote at PCB East 2026, covering AI, UHDI, simulation and PCB design best practices.

PCB Detroit will return to Wayne State University June 15-16 with technical sessions covering ESD, EMI, RF design, thin copper impacts, thermal management, signal integrity and AI-driven PCB workflows, alongside a tabletop exhibition and networking events.

PCEA will debut the PCB Management Forum at PCB East on April 28, focusing on AI adoption, material shortages and workforce challenges.

CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY has opened registration for the 2026 Service Excellence Awards, inviting EMS providers and industry suppliers to benchmark customer service performance through direct customer feedback ahead of the April 31 deadline.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

Celestica is expanding its Portland operations with a 165,000 sq. ft. lease with Link Logistics.

Surging demand for high-end PCBs driven by AI servers and switches is intensifying supply imbalances for upstream materials, with industry sources saying the rising cost of copper-clad laminate (CCL) is accelerating.

A global helium shortage tied to geopolitical tensions is disrupting supply, raising prices and creating risks for semiconductor manufacturing and medical imaging, with China among the hardest hit due to heavy import reliance.

Compal reached agreement with a Texas town to receive a 30% reduction in property taxes for 10 years in return for Compal’s $35 million capital investment in its facility and the creation of at least 100 full-time jobs.

India exported a record $2.5B in Apple components to China.

Anda Technologies opened a Technology Center in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, adding local application labs, equipment demos and technical support..

Teradyne acquired TestInsight to enhance design-to-test workflows.

ECIA reported that Americas authorized distributor revenues rose 7.1 percent to $30.9B in 2025.

Kyzen named REStronics representative in Southern California.

GKG Printers appointed Etek Europe UK and Ireland distributor.

Reflow AI – Before There was Artificial Intelligence
PCD&F/CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY

Sustainable Polyurethane-based Dielectric Composites from Industrial and E-waste for High-Voltage Insulation Applications
Scientific Report

Three-dimensional Printing of Nanomaterials-based Electronics with a Metamaterial-inspired Near-field Electromagnetic Structure
Science Advances

EVENTS

PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.