
Chipping in: ASU engineers to help shape the future of semiconductors
Binil Starly propels a pipeline of talent to power the next generation of technology and innovation

The future of technology hinges on those who advance it.
As the demand for semiconductors surges — powering everything from smartphones to space exploration — the need for a highly skilled workforce has become a priority for industry leaders, policymakers and educational institutions.
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University are at the heart of innovations in semiconductor research. Through educational programs, impactful research and symbiotic partnerships, ASU is propelling learners forward to help drive progress in this essential sector.
Binil Starly, school director and professor in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, part of the Fulton Schools, has had a lifelong passion for technology and innovation. This fascination blossomed into a distinguished career dedicated to advancing digital manufacturing. Named one of the 20 most influential professors in smart manufacturing in 2020, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his teaching and leadership roles.
When it comes to workforce development, Starly believes that helping students address skill gaps and adapt to new technologies is essential for building a diverse talent pipeline. His experience with factory digitization — particularly in connecting engineering, information and operations technologies — plays a key role in creating a digital thread in manufacturing.
Starly leverages his experience to maximize untapped potential and push the boundaries of microelectronics. His work in advancing manufacturing processes through collaboration with esteemed peers, partners and organizations aligns seamlessly with ASU’s mission to advance research and contribute to the betterment of society.
Let’s see what Starly has to say about the state of the semiconductor industry and workforce development:

Binil Starly, school director and professor in the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, poses in the Innovation Hub on ASU’s Polytechnic campus. Photographer Tim Trumble/ASU
Q: How has the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks established itself as a leader in semiconductor manufacturing research and education, particularly in light of the increasing emphasis in this industry?
A: In response to growing industry demand, the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks trains digitally adept manufacturing and robotics engineers across all academic levels. As a top engineering school, ASU offers unique and forward-thinking programs designed to prepare the next generation of engineers to design, maintain and optimize the advanced systems integral to semiconductors.
No other engineering school in the nation offers the same breadth of knowledge and skills across disciplines, equipping engineers to excel in every stage of the microelectronics industry — from chip design to production, packaging and integration into the hardware systems that depend on these advanced technologies.
Q: In what ways do the school’s resources and labs enhance workforce development initiatives at ASU?
A: The construction, operation and maintenance of advanced semiconductors rely heavily on highly sophisticated machines to perform the multi-stage fabrication processes essential for producing semiconductor chips. Inside these machines are intricate systems consisting of motor drives, pumps, compressors, actuators, sensors, mechanical-electrical subsystems and industrial automation software.
Designing, operating and prolonging complex systems requires a careful combination of skill and predictive maintenance. The school plays a vital role in preparing future manufacturing and robotics engineers within its laboratories that focus on areas such as design prototyping, industrial automation, robotics and non-destructive testing. Access to these unparalleled facilities equips students with the knowledge and problem-solving skills necessary to excel in the semiconductor industry.
Q: Are there specific workforce development objectives tied to the anticipated opening of ISTB12 in fall 2025?
A: Yes! Our new ISTB12 facility will allow students across the university to immerse themselves in the field through invaluable, hands-on opportunities to train in industrial robotics and automation. In its initial phase, Fulton Schools engineering students of all levels will have access to the building’s lab spaces through courses that feature its machinery. Non-ASU students will also be able to access the lab through non-degree programs offered by ASU Learning Enterprise.
The $185 million project will offer students opportunities to explore industrial protocols and develop digital twins for manufacturing systems. Additionally, it will provide a platform for learning key concepts such as design for manufacturing, quality control and the integration of artificial intelligence, or AI, into processes through various testbeds within the facility.
Q: Why is creating a semiconductor and workforce development ecosystem at ASU critical to the institution’s mission and the broader industry?
A: Significant investments from private industry, the federal government and the state make it crucial for educational institutions — K-12, community colleges and research universities like ASU — to develop a specialized workforce consisting of researchers and development engineers who will go on to advance next-generation semiconductor and microelectronics technology.
Over the next five years, the Phoenix metro area is projected to see more than $100 billion in project awards come to fruition. To fully leverage this investment, ASU and the Maricopa Community College District must produce a pool of talented professionals that meet the needs of today’s advanced factories.
Beyond Phoenix, significant semiconductor investments are being made in states such as New Mexico, California, New York, Ohio and Texas. ASU’s undergraduate and graduate programs attract students across all of these states, many of whom will likely return home after completing their education. Thus, advanced skills and engineering expertise are essential not only to Arizona’s economy but also to the nation as a whole.
Q: What strategic partnerships or collaborations has the school formed with industry leaders to advance semiconductor research and provide meaningful learning opportunities to students?
A: We actively collaborate with industry leaders such as Intel, Applied Materials, TSMC, Deca Technologies and AMKOR on research and development projects. These partnerships focus on equipment innovation, process design and the modeling and simulation of semiconductor processes.
The school plays a big role in this ecosystem by training manufacturing engineers for production operations at the semiconductor fabrication facilities owned by these companies. For example, the ASU and TSMC partnership will enhance student training, recruitment and faculty research. The collaboration supports TSMC’s upcoming Phoenix semiconductor plant by expanding the talent pipeline, offering scholarships and providing hands-on learning.
Q: Which emerging trends in semiconductor technology do you find most promising, and how does the School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks equip its students to contribute to these innovations?
A: Semiconductor manufacturing technology has seen a transformative infusion of smart robotics, advanced industrial automation, digital twin technologies and AI-driven systems within factory operations and machinery. Collectively, these innovations enable smart manufacturing, a concept that integrates robotics, AI, machine learning, factory information systems and robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard advanced facilities.
Semiconductor technology powers modern electronics, allowing for more efficient devices that hold the potential to advance technology, enhance connectivity and improve energy efficiency. The future of semiconductor manufacturing promises smarter, faster and more secure technologies that will transform the industry in unimaginable ways.