In this blog post, we’ll explore the manufacturing processes behind smartphones—our everyday essentials—and discuss the hidden efforts and responsibilities of the engineers behind them.
What is the smartphone you’re holding made of? Metal? Plastic? Glass? And what exactly is the process behind its creation?
The word “process” has a very broad meaning. While it varies by field, in engineering, a process refers to “every step involved in producing a desired product from raw materials and energy.” Does that sound a bit abstract? Let me explain it this way: The process of using metals, silicon, plastics, rubber, and energy to produce a smartphone is precisely what we call the smartphone manufacturing process. This process demands a level of complexity and precision far beyond simple assembly, and various scientific principles and technologies are employed at multiple stages. Only when all these elements work in harmony does the smartphone we use come into being.
Chemical and Biological Engineering, the field I’m studying, spans a wide range of disciplines. It is a major that is always intertwined with all engineering fields based on chemical knowledge, such as petrochemicals, polymer chemistry, electrochemistry, inorganic and nanotechnology, semiconductors, and process engineering. Among these diverse specializations, I am particularly interested in “Process Design and Control.” The “process” I mentioned earlier using the smartphone as an example is connected to every aspect of the world. When viewed broadly, the world is a collection of countless processes. Waking up in the morning, eating breakfast, and going about your day can be considered a “process for the day,” and attending classes and taking exams at school can be viewed as a “process for achieving learning objectives.” Our daily lives are a continuous series of massive processes, and our quality of life depends on how efficiently these processes are designed and managed.
In industry, a process primarily refers to large-scale systems (factory operations and product manufacturing), and it is here that engineers who design and control these processes truly shine. Since resources and time are always limited, engineers must design feasible processes that achieve optimal results by considering all available mathematical and scientific knowledge, as well as numerous conditions (such as preventing environmental pollution and accidents). Furthermore, after the design phase, they must analyze the actual operating process to determine how closely it aligns with their expectations and consider how to modify and control specific aspects to achieve better results.
But wait a moment—have you ever considered what ethical responsibilities we bear during the process design phase? As seen in disasters like the Columbia space shuttle explosion and the Chernobyl nuclear accident, even a minor mistake by an engineer can lead to irreversible catastrophe, so engineers must strive tirelessly to prevent such outcomes. It is not enough to simply acquire mathematical and scientific knowledge; we must maintain an open mind to review and research ever-evolving technologies and theories. At the same time, we must internalize the countless rules of thumb—empirical principles gained through trial and error throughout human history—to cultivate what is known as “engineering intuition,” and this cannot be achieved overnight. Engineering is not merely a theoretical discipline; it is a practical field that impacts real life, and therefore, a corresponding sense of responsibility and ethical consideration are absolutely essential.
A broad range of study is required across many fields, including mathematics capable of handling everything from basic calculus to complex differential equations; physical chemistry and thermodynamics for understanding reaction characteristics and assessing feasibility; organic and inorganic chemistry for analyzing reaction structures and designing optimal processes; and simulation programming skills for realistic process modeling. In addition, considerations regarding the environment and sustainability have become increasingly important in recent years. When designing processes, it has become a crucial role of engineers to minimize environmental impact and find ways to use resources efficiently.
You have likely experienced firsthand the rapid changes in computer and mobile device displays. From large, heavy CRTs to LCDs—with PDPs making a brief appearance before disappearing due to cost—and on to LED, OLED, and TFT-LCD, it has taken only about 50 years since the first LCD appeared, and the cycle of transformation is becoming increasingly shorter. And behind all of this have always been “process design engineers” engaged in constant deliberation and research.
However, this pace of development should not be evaluated solely as a technical achievement. We must also consider how to address the new challenges arising from technological progress—such as electronic waste and resource depletion. For “process design engineers,” who constantly scrutinize shortcomings and strive tirelessly toward improvement, this world is another vast process, and people’s lives will become increasingly comfortable and convenient. Thanks to those who strive under the motto “Design Everything,” you are able to enjoy the benefits of civilization as you go about your day. I invite you to imagine the countless processes, born of the blood, sweat, and tears of engineers, contained within that small smartphone in your hand. While enjoying the benefits of technology, remembering the immense effort and deliberation hidden behind it is a small way for us to express our gratitude.
