ASE deploys AI

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Semiconductor assembly and testing provider ASE Technology Holding Co. will introduce AI-based odor sensing technology into its manufacturing process, using airborne chemical data to strengthen monitoring across its production lines.

As semiconductor manufacturing advances toward more sophisticated packaging technologies and greater automation, even small changes in airborne chemical compounds can signal contamination risks, equipment deterioration, or changes in process conditions that may affect production yields and stability. This has made real-time monitoring of the manufacturing environment increasingly important for maintaining stable operations, ASE said.

The technology, developed by AI-driven scent digitization company Ainos, converts chemical patterns in the air into digital identifiers that AI models can analyze, allowing factories to track changes in manufacturing conditions as they occur. These changes can be used to identify early signs of equipment wear or contamination before they lead to production disruptions.

Ainos initially developed the AI Nose for medical applications involving the detection of volatile organic compounds before adapting the technology for industrial automation. The company said the system can provide real-time insights for factory decision-making, helping improve process control while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs.

ASE said it operates 46 fully automated, unmanned factories as part of its efforts to expand smart manufacturing capabilities. The company said adopting AI-based environmental monitoring marks another step in the development of its smart factory operations.

ASE provides semiconductor packaging and testing services, covering wafer testing, final testing, packaging, and related materials. It reported June revenue of NT$65.78 billion (US$2.04 billion), up 32.86% year-on-year, according to Anue.