Integrating voice recognition technology with inspection of integrated circuits

Applying voice recognition technology to a manufacturing environment has provided an advanced and practical means of data collection. Accurate real-time data are gathered without the use of labor-intensive paperwork and data entry. In the manufacturing of integrated circuits at Motorola, voice technology has proved to be beneficial in the inspection process, where hands and eyes remain busy performing the primary task. The integration of voice-recognition technology with the inspection process, as implemented in the Voice Activated Data Entry System (VADES), allowed the information to be recorded and entered into a database without interruption of the inspection process. This resulted in a 23% improvement in productivity, elimination of nonvalue-added clerical tasks, and immediate availability of inspection information. Data accuracy achieved was 100%. The system received excellent acceptance from the inspectors