Portuguese software company Critical Manufacturing will unveil its vision for the “factory of the future” at this year’s SEMICON Europa and productronica trade fairs, highlighting how artificial intelligence and connected systems can transform production efficiency in the electronics and semiconductor industries.
The company, a subsidiary of Hong Kong–listed ASMPT, will demonstrate how its Manufacturing Operations Platform integrates Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), automation, analytics, and AI to deliver what it calls “intelligence transformation” — where real-time data and machine learning combine to optimise performance and prevent quality issues before they occur.
At the Munich events, Critical Manufacturing will collaborate with its parent company ASMPT to stage a live demonstration showing data from a reflow oven being connected, contextualised, and analysed in real time.
The system will use AI to identify correlations between process parameters and defect patterns, enabling early prediction and prevention of faults. Visitors will also be able to interact with the data via an AI “copilot” that allows users to ask natural-language questions and receive immediate insights from production information.
“Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing demand speed, precision, and the ability to learn continuously,” said Pedro Oliveira, Industrial Solutions Engineer for Electronics/SMT at Critical Manufacturing. “AI is only as strong as the data behind it. By connecting machines, MES, and our IoT Data Platform, we are helping customers build factories that learn and improve constantly.”
The company will also showcase how its platform enables full materials traceability in line with SEMI E142 standards, a critical requirement for chipmakers operating in complex, data-rich environments. Critical Manufacturing says the system gives manufacturers the agility to optimise throughput, reduce variability, and sustain yield.
Among the tools being presented is c-Alice, an AI-powered image classification system designed to enhance process control by analysing and categorising images from production lines.
“Manufacturers across semiconductors and electronics are facing unprecedented complexity but also enormous opportunity,” said Tom Bednarz, Managing Director for Germany at Critical Manufacturing. “Our platform turns that complexity into a strategic advantage, enabling continuous innovation in industries that are evolving faster than ever.”
