The research report, entitled Automated Optical Inspection Market with Covid-19 Impact Analysis, reveals that the market is set to grow at a CAGR of 20.8% during the forecast period.
Automated optical inspection AOI is the automated visual inspection of printed circuit boards where typically a camera autonomously scans the device under test for both catastrophic failure and quality defects. It is commonly used in the test and development process for consumer electronics because it is a non-contact test method.
According to the MarketsandMarkets report, the key factors contributing to the growth in the AOI market include an upsurge in the demand for consumer electronics amidst the pandemic; the rising need for miniature, high-speed PCBs; and the demand for higher productivity by electronics manufacturing services (EMS) companies.
The report reveals that the advent of smart technology, newer applications of AOI systems apart from PCB inspection, and growing demand for AOI systems for inspection of IC substrates act as a growth opportunity for market players.
The report also reveals that the 3D AOI system market is expected to grow significantly during the forecast period. 3D AOI systems have high operational costs and use complex programming codes for functioning but are more efficient and sensitive at detecting defects and faults than 2D AOI systems.
3D AOI systems can, for example, detect faults in PCB substrates as well as in the ball grid array (BGA), which makes them superior to 2D AOI systems.
Furthermore, the ability to quickly inspect defects in tall components, significant reduction in false call rates, and ability to provide volumetric data of components under inspection make 3D AOI systems an ideal choice for electronic manufacturing service (EMS) providers in the coming years.
The consumer electronics segment is expected to hold the largest share of the AOI system market during the forecast period. The miniaturization of electronic gadgets has further increased the complexity of internal circuits and components. To efficiently inspect complex PCBs of small and compact consumer electronic devices, manufacturers are increasingly using advanced AOI systems to offer high-quality products to customers.
The trend of having one device with multiple functionalities has made modern-day electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and wearables more complex in architecture. The increased complexity of these devices requires highly advanced AOI systems for inspection. Further, with the rise in the adoption of 3D inspection technology, AOI systems are going to play a vital role in maintaining the high-quality standards of these complex consumer electronic devices.