Artificial intelligence in the printing industry: possibilities, applications and prospects

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was one of the most hotly debated topics at drupa 2024, with the focus on the opportunities that this technology opens up. However, it also became clear that there is still no common understanding of what AI is and what can be expected from it. This is partly due to the fact that many visitors have had very different experiences with AI and have had varying degrees of exposure to the topic. That's why we want to take a closer look at it here. Because AI is sure to be a hot topic again at drupa 2028.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) began as an academic concept in the 1950s, but it was only with the emergence of large language models such as OpenAI's ChatGPT that AI applications were recognised as such by the general public. However, AI has long been present in many areas of life. For many, however, this has gone unnoticed.  In the printing industry, too, AI has long been transforming work processes, helping to increase efficiency and opening up new opportunities.

Before we look at applications, let's look at something more fundamental so that we have a common understanding of what we talk about when we say AI. Researchers distinguish between different types of artificial intelligence, each of which has 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 often used for robots that move material in and out of printing presses.

Limited memory
Systems with limited memory can use information from the past to make decisions. Examples include chatbots and virtual assistants such as Siri, which respond to input and are constantly learning. In the printing industry, this type of AI is increasingly being 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 such as the human-like AI in the film “Her” show where the development could go.

Self-aware AI
Self-aware AI, which is aware of itself and its environment, also exists only in theory and is the subject of much ethical and technical debate.

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
Early applications of AI in the printing industry were optical inspection systems that checked print results and detected defects. Today, such systems can use machine learning algorithms to classify problems 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 certain parts is required. 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 be an integral part of future print production. Falling installation costs are making this technology affordable for smaller businesses.

Generative AI and creative processes
Generative AI, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, is particularly suited to creating text, images and even code. The printing industry is already using this AI to quickly create designs and proofs of concept. Customer management also benefits from this technology, as generative AI can detect sentiment in customer enquiries and formulate optimised responses. Some suppliers are using generative AI to transfer customer data from emails into structured order processes.

The printing industry is changing rapidly as the range of AI solutions on offer grows. At the next drupa, visitors will be amazed to see how AI and robotics are further increasing efficiency and enabling new applications. As more and more companies integrate AI into their workflows, the printing industry is on the verge of a transformation that will continue to drive competitiveness, quality and innovation for years to come.

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 industry – and certainly of drupa 2028.