Recently, the semiconductor assembly and packaging industry has been facing talent shortages due to various factors. To address the labor shortage, AUO Digitech, a subsidiary of AUO specializing in providing smart industrial services, has independently developed the Intelligent Automated Material Handling System (iAMHS).

Accordingly, it combines the world-leading ball bonder from Kulicke & Soffa Industries, Inc. (K&S) and the rail guided vehicle (RGV) system from Leyu Precision Co., Ltd. (Leyu). Thus, AUO Digitech has created a comprehensive automation solution that has been successfully implemented at multiple semiconductor production sites. This solution not only helps client achieve full automation of their production lines, but also increases production capacity by at least 10%.

Strong Collaboration with K&S, Leyu

AUO Digitech has paid close attention to the needs of the smart manufacturing industry. For that reason, AUO Digitech, together with K&S and Leyu, provides one-stop service solutions that target the issues faced by the semiconductor assembly and packaging field. The iAMHS solution incorporates autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). Specifically, their design is to suit semiconductor factories and advanced manufacturing industries. The AMR feature omnidirectional drives and utilize AI algorithms, 2D LiDAR, 3D cameras, and other technologies to enable precise movement and obstacle avoidance even in the limited spaces of factories. They serve as invaluable assistants to production line personnel. By automating material transportation, the solution improves coordination and streamlines the manufacturing process, eliminating the communication issues and interruptions that can arise from manual handling.

Furthermore, the integrated intelligent automated material handling system utilizes computerized equipment and robotic arms, combined with intelligent scheduling, to optimize the efficient transport of magazines, carriers, and production equipment within the material area of the production line, resulting in zero material mishandling risk. The highly automated ball bonder production line is controlled by a material control system (MCS) with smart scheduling. This system complies with the semiconductor equipment and materials standard SECS/GEM (SEMI Equipment Communication Standard/Generic Equipment Model) enabling direct integration with customers’ existing manufacturing execution system (MES).

By implementing the iAMHS solution, the worker-to-machine ratio of the ball bonder production line has been significantly improved by two to eight-fold. Hence, the result of the implementation is greater flexibility in production scheduling. By managing the ball bonder production line with the smart scheduling of the material control system (MCS), the production capacity can be further improved by approximately 15%.

Transfer Successful Cases to Other Sites

AUO has long been promoting digital transformation and smart manufacturing, actively implementing the concept of sustainable production. Furthermore, AUO has also received international accolades such as being named a “Global Lighthouse Factory” by the World Economic Forum (WEF), the “Manufacturing Leadership Award” (MLA) by the American Manufacturing Association, and the “Smart Automation” award of the ROI-EFESO Industry 4.0 Awards in Germany. For that reason, AUO’s smart manufacturing capabilities have been reaping recognition around the world.

Building upon the company’s past successes, AUO Digitech aims to continue its knowledge sharing and technological collaboration. Moreover, it wants to maintain strong partnerships and integration with ecosystem partners like K&S and Leyu. This will drive the manufacturing industry to accelerate the timeline of smart transformation, reducing the process from years to months.

AUO Digitech, in collaboration with K&S, is advancing into the semiconductor assembly and packaging field to provide smart manufacturing solutions. In the latter half of the year, the companies will jointly participate in three major international semiconductor exhibitions: SEMICON Southeast Asia in Penang, Malaysia, from May 23 to 25 (Booth #C1613); SEMICON China in Shanghai New International Expo Center, China, from June 29 to July 1; and SEMICON Taiwan in Taipei Nangang Exhibition Hall, Taiwan, from September 6 to 8. They cordially invite industry pioneers to visit their booths and personally experience the brand-new solutions brought by AUO Digitech and K&S in the field of smart manufacturing.