Artificial Intelligence (AI) was one of the most discussed topics at drupa 2024, with attention focused on the opportunities this technology opens up. However, it also became clear that there is still no shared understanding of what AI actually is and what can be expected from it. One reason for this is that many visitors have had very different experiences with AI and have been exposed to the subject to widely varying degrees. That’s why we want to take a closer look here — because you can be sure AI will be a hot topic again at drupa 2028.
Artificial Intelligence began as an academic concept in the 1950s, but AI applications only became widely recognised by the general public with the emergence of large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In truth, AI has been present in many areas of life for a long time — many people simply didn’t notice. In the printing industry too, AI has long been transforming business processes, helping increase efficiency and creating new opportunities.
Four Types of Artificial Intelligence
Before looking at applications, let’s look at something more fundamental, so we have a shared understanding of what we mean when we say AI. Researchers distinguish between different types of artificial intelligence, each with specific capabilities and areas of application:
Reactive machines
Reactive machines have no memory and are designed to perform specific tasks. In the printing industry, these systems are typically used for robots that feed and remove material from printing presses.
Limited memory
Systems with limited memory can use information from the past to make decisions. Examples include chatbots that respond to input and continuously learn, and virtual assistants like Siri. In the printing industry, this type of AI is increasingly used for process optimisation and error detection.
Theory of mind
This type of AI attempts to understand human thoughts and emotions. However, no one has yet managed to turn this concept into reality. Applications like the human-like AI in the film “Her” show where this kind of development could go.
Self-aware AI
Self-aware AI — aware of itself and its surroundings — exists only in theory so far, and is the subject of extensive ethical and technical debate.
Concrete applications of AI in the printing industry
In the printing industry, many manufacturers and software providers are using AI technologies to improve their products. Some of the main areas of application are:
Computer vision and quality control
AI’s early applications in the printing industry were optical inspection systems that check print output and detect defects. Today, these systems can use machine learning algorithms to classify issues and automatically make corrections based on the source of the error.
Predictive maintenance
By analysing machine data, AI can predict when maintenance or replacement of specific parts is needed. This reduces downtime and optimises the production process.
Robotics
Reactive AI is increasingly being integrated into robotic applications. Robotic arms that load and unload substrates or perform precision tasks such as inserting mailings will become an integral part of future print production. Falling setup costs are making this technology accessible to smaller businesses as well.
Generative AI and creative processes
Generative AI, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is particularly well suited for generating text, images and even code. The printing industry uses this AI to quickly produce designs and proofs of concept. Customer management also benefits from this technology, since generative AI can detect sentiment in customer inquiries and generate optimised responses. Some suppliers use generative AI to transfer customer data from emails into structured order processes.
The future of AI in the printing industry
The printing industry is changing rapidly as the range of available AI solutions grows. At the next drupa, visitors will be amazed at how AI and robotics further increase efficiency and enable new applications. As more and more companies integrate AI into their workflows, the printing industry stands on the threshold of a transformation that will continue to drive competition, quality and innovation in the years ahead.
Artificial intelligence offers enormous opportunities for the printing industry. From optimising processes to reducing downtime and improving customer communication, AI is becoming an integral part of the modern printing sector — and certainly of drupa 2028.
(*) This article was first published on the drupa blog. Link to the original article: