MANUFACTURING DATA REPORT
Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in June for the sixth straight month, says the latest ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report.
The computer and electronic products sector, and the electrical equipment, appliances & components sector, both reported growth. Read the full report.
INDUSTRY NEWS
> Micron Technology and Ford Motor on Monday signed a long-term semiconductor supply agreement for use in the automaker’s next-generation vehicle production. Read more.
> The International Monetary Fund today lowered its 2026 global growth forecast lower to 3 percent, warning of ongoing risks posed by the war in the Middle East, trade issues and possible AI market corrections. Read more.
> Four leadership styles that can create positive change in the workplace. Which style is yours? Read more.
ERA NEWS
Registration is now open for 2026 ERA STEP!
Mark your calendars for Sept. 29-Oct. 1, because ERA’s Sales Training for Electronics Professionals (STEP) is returning to elevate your sales game.
Designed specifically for frontline electronics industry sales reps, manufacturers and distributors, STEP 2026 delivers elite professional development directly to your screen. This year’s program features nine robust, 75-minute educational sessions led by a mix of professional sales trainers and seasoned industry executives.
> The next ERA LIVE will take place on Tuesday, July 21 at 4:00 p.m. ET, where Dennis Reed, senior analyst with Edgewater Research, will give a mid-year economic and market update. Budde Marketing will give an update on its acquisiton by Orbweaver at the end of the session.
More details and log-in information. We’ll see you there!
INDUSTRY TRENDS SURVEY
The July2026 ERA Electronic Components Industry Trend Survey is now live!
Check your email inbox.
VIEW SURVEY RESULTS FROM 2024-2026
CHAPTER EVENTS & NEWS
- Southern California ERA — Mix & Mingle Social — Mon., July 13
- Ohio ERA — Break for Baseball — Wed., Aug. 5
- IN-KY ERA — Golf Event — Thurs., Aug. 13
- Pacific-Northwest ERA — Golf Tournament – Fri., Aug. 21
- Southern California ERA — Annual Golf Tournament — Mon., Aug. 31
- Carolinas ERA — Golf Event — Thurs., Oct. 8
ELECTRONICA
electronica 2026 shows how AI is driving growth in the electronics industry
Artificial intelligence (AI) has long become a strategic competitive factor, helping companies make their processes faster, more precise and more cost-effective. At the same time, however, the demands on data quality, IT security and integration into processes and products are increasing. The electronics industry is systematically driving the transformation through AI.
“This is visible at electronica, which brings together top decision-makers and developers from around the world, and showcases the entire electronics value chain,” explains Exhibition Director Caroline Pannier. The world’s leading trade fair for the electronics industry will take place in Munich from November 10 to 13, 2026.
Edge AI and AIoT are becoming key factors
The trending topics of Edge AI and AIoT, in other words, the use of artificial intelligence directly on devices and in connected systems, are currently particularly relevant for the electronics industry. Both approaches enable data to be processed in real time where it is generated, such as in sensors, controllers or embedded systems. That reduces latency, takes the load off the cloud and improves data privacy, energy efficiency and reliability.
At the same time, AI and robotics are becoming increasingly important in industrial automation, above all in the field of AI-based quality control. Automatic detection of the smallest deviations and defects on components, printed circuit boards, or in production processes helps reduce scrap, speeds up inspection processes and ensures more stable operation of production lines. Another focus is on AI on microcontrollers: advances in TinyML and optimized embedded AI models make it possible to provide intelligent AI functions even on hardware with limited resources.
Bringing hardware and software closer together through AI
At electronica 2026, exhibitors demonstrate that AI is increasingly being integrated directly into sensors, embedded systems, and industrial applications. Infineon, for example, is primarily driving the development of Edge AI and IoT solutions for smart, energy-efficient devices. STMicroelectronics combines embedded processing, Edge AI and mobility-related applications. NXP Semiconductors demonstrates how solutions for automotive, industrial & IoT and communications infrastructure can be integrated into embedded systems, microcontrollers and microprocessors.
At the same time, embedded systems providers like Advantech and Kontron are delivering the hardware, software and connectivity infrastructure needed to deploy reliable, scalable AI solutions in industrial environments. In the automotive sector in particular, the focus is shifting toward the AI-defined vehicle in which AI not only optimizes individual functions but also increasingly shapes perception, assistance, interaction and driving behavior.
Global hub for AI and electronics
In total, about 3,500 exhibitors from around 60 countries will showcase at electronica their cutting-edge applications and solutions that are paving the way to the All Electric Society. Visitors can learn firsthand about all aspects of Edge AI, AIoT and related topics across 18 halls at the Munich Trade Fair Center. In addition, a top-class supporting program with forums and networking events will contribute to knowledge transfer. SEMICON Europe, taking place in parallel across two and a half halls, will offer insights into the entire semiconductor industry value chain.
For further information, have a look at electronica.de/en.
