Electronics industry

Contemporary society uses a vast array of electronic devices that are built in factories operated by the industry, which are almost always partially automated.

[2] The electric power industry began in the 19th century, which led to the development of inventions such as gramaphones, radio transmitters and receivers, and television.

The vacuum tube was used for early electronic devices, before later being largely supplanted by semiconductor components as the fundamental technology of the industry.

The United States and China are the world leaders in producing electronic waste, each tossing away about 3 million tons each year.

[10] The UNEP estimate that the amount of e-waste being produced – including mobile phones and computers – could rise by as much as 500 percent over the next decade in some developing countries, such as India.