The Internet of Bodies could reveal the truth about our health and protect us against misinformation.

It’s probably understandable that we are more obsessed with our health and longevity than any other aspects of our lives, including relationships, careers and money. It’s also probably fair to say that more advice is thrust at us on this subject than any other: what to eat or drink, how to exercise, when to sleep, how to avoid illness, how to live longer, happier and healthier.

Guidance on how to live better is changing continuously, as new scientific studies adjust previous conclusions and influencers leverage the power of the Internet to offer various theories ranging from convincing to crackpot (Breatharianism, anyone?). Who would believe it’s possible to survive on non-food substances including air, sunlight and cosmic energy? You can pay to be shown how, of course.

The Internet of Bodies (IoB) could transform our understanding of ourselves, as individuals and as a species. As an extension of the IoT, IoB adds value by aggregating information from the increasing number and diversity of biosensors available to us. By collecting more data about us from more and more diverse channels as new types of sensors and monitors are being marketed on a continuous basis, we can also analyze that data more quickly and in greater detail.

PCB designs will soon enter a new dimension in miniaturization.

Our industry has always been about creating cutting-edge, next-generation technology. Over decades this has been accomplished by striving to pack more capability in less space. The electronics industry, and printed circuits in particular, has accomplished this more often than not without specific definitions to either strive for, or be hindered by.

Such examples can be found by looking at the definitions, per Oxford Languages, for five simple words that have been used over the decades in our technologically driven businesses:

Self-confidence comes from meeting new challenges.

I shake my head when I see the large amount of self-idolizing today on LinkedIn. Who describes themselves as visionary, disruptive, a rainmaker, the prophet, the catalyst, the wizard, a guru, a Jedi master, or a creative genius?

Do you feel that this hubris is believable to peers? When did our egos start to dilute the need for getting up every day, working hard, looking at problems from multiple angles, being bold to take mindful chances, understanding we make our own luck and being thankful for small victories when running a business? Your title is stated on your business card; use it.

Disruptive people, technologies or real advancements in our society are so few, it seems we now must minimize these people or events when they actually occur due to the overuse of this term. For most of us, success is a byproduct of very hard work, learning from failures, collaboration with the people we are surrounded by, an ability to see the real issues affecting our businesses with a focus on solving the critical few, a strong competitive drive for “winning,” and yes, a little good luck.

The country’s growing industry could prove a viable alternative to China.

I have been involved in the electronics manufacturing industry for over 20 years, with much of that time based out of Hong Kong. China is a manufacturing powerhouse, supplying not only the world but its own large population with electronic products ranging from home appliances to ultra-modern electric vehicles. China is well beyond being called a “developing nation.” It is a very mature economy – especially when it comes to any kind of manufacturing.

Recent geopolitical tensions from past and present US administrations, however, as well as supply chain concerns that came about during the Covid pandemic, have forced many OEMs and EMS companies to look elsewhere for their PCB needs – a task that is easier said than done.

In response to industry demands, I have traveled to several countries in southeast Asia over the past 18 months to learn as much as I can about the printed circuit board industry outside of China.

It was during my third and most recent trip to Thailand last July that I attended Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 (THECA), the electronics circuits and services showcase event in Bangkok.