Tampere | March 26, 2026

High-mix, low-volume (HMLV) production remains one of the most demanding operational realities for EMS factories. Frequent changeovers, shifting customer requirements, and short lead times make it difficult to maintain stable throughput while controlling costs and labour constraints. Traditional automation often struggles in this environment due to long integration cycles and limited flexibility once deployed.

This presentation explores how modular robotic workstations can support agility in HMLV electronics manufacturing by enabling rapid reconfiguration of production tasks and layouts. Instead of designing automation around a single product or fixed line, the modular approach allows factories to adapt to changing order profiles with shorter setup times and reduced disruption.

The talk will cover practical considerations such as where modular robotics provides the strongest value (e.g., repetitive sub-assemblies, testing, handling), how to approach deployment in an existing EMS environment, and which organisational factors determine success. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in industrial operations and manufacturing transformation, Piotr Owczarek will discuss how automation and AI can be implemented pragmatically, focusing on measurable impact rather than “automation for automation’s sake”.

Increasing product variety, short development cycles and volatile markets require automation systems that can be quickly adapted to changing products and processes. Conventional, statically designed systems often reach their limits in this situation. What is needed are modular concepts, digital automation architectures and agile development processes that make mechanics, software and testing technology flexibly scalable.

The presentation shows how companies can successfully implement automation with a wide range of variants. The main focus is on three factors: agile project planning, powerful software with recipe management and optimised set-up capabilities. Selected case studies will be used to demonstrate how adaptive mechanics, flexible software architecture and intelligent setup concepts interact to implement high-variety production. Together, these modules enable modern, adaptive manufacturing that makes variety manageable, increases efficiency and keeps companies competitive in the long term. 

Since January 2021, companies placing articles containing substances of very high concern (SVHCs) on the EU market have been required to submit information to ECHA via the SCIP database. 

This presentation provides clear answers to the following key questions:

* Who must submit a SCIP notification?

* When does the obligation apply?

* What information must be provided?

In addition to explaining the regulatory framework, one practical and cost-effective solution for fulfilling SCIP obligations will be presented.

Who should attend? Manufacturers, importers, and distributors placing products on the EU market — especially those in the electronics sector — who need to understand and comply with SCIP requirements.

With 35 years of experience in the electronics industry, Juhana Jaatinen brings a practical, business-focused approach to regulatory compliance: What does the law mean, why does it matter, and what steps should I take?

In 2026, Evertiq Expo Tampere will once again highlight the vital role that young talent plays in shaping the future of Europe’s electronics landscape. Finland — with its strong academic tradition, innovative engineering culture and deep commitment to research excellence — provides a perfect setting to honour the next generation of scientists and technology leaders.

Guided by Evertiq’s mission to make the world a better place with the help of electronics, the Evertiq Scholarship aims to support students whose work demonstrates originality, technical depth and the potential to contribute to a more resilient, innovative and sustainable Europe.

During this ceremony, we will officially announce the winner of this year’s scholarship and present the award for the most outstanding diploma thesis submitted to the competition. It is a moment dedicated not only to individual achievement, but to the wider idea that progress in electronics is built collaboratively — by researchers, industry, universities and the communities around them.

In this presentation Dennis Dahlgren will explore how EMS and ODM providers across the Nordic region are positioning themselves in a rapidly changing electronics landscape. Drawing on cross-country comparisons and recent industry developments, the talk will highlight differences in capabilities, investment strategies and market focus among leading Nordic manufacturers. The session aims to give attendees a clearer understanding of how “manufacturing in the North” is evolving – and what this means for customers, supply chains and the broader European electronics ecosystem.