Technology companies across the print industry endorse AI

A host of companies within the print industry have announced updates that use generative or machine-learning AI, including manufacturer Heidelberg and web-to-print company OnPrintShop.

With a host of new announcements about software updates that use AI systems, it appears that the industry is embracing the new technology. This is despite concerns over the impact AI could have on job security in the long-term.

There are also signs of a push towards AI within the wider technology sector. Technology company Davies, for example, has announced the appointment of Paul O’Brien as the firm’s first group chief AI officer. 

The newly created role is one of a series of significant investments made by Davies to capitalise on the value of artificial intelligence, including the use of generative AI, across the business.

Commenting on the appointment, Jen Morrissey, chief operations officer at Davies, comments: “As AI continues to play a crucial role in enhancing Davies client services and operations, this demonstrates our strong commitment to innovation and excellence.”   

In a recent report from Forbes Advisor, it was estimated that 42% of the British public are concerned about a dependence on AI and a subsequent loss of human skills, with 39% worried about autonomous AI systems making decisions without human intervention.

Heidelberg, however, are embracing the automation and efficiency that AI can bring. As part of the announcement of its new Jetfire 50 B3 inkjet press, Heidelberg has also introduced a new automation system, dubbed ‘Prinect Touch Free.’

Utilising AI in its decision-making process, a wide range of production decisions will be made fully automatically. The AI central control system is designed to optimise the production process, from file creation, machine monitoring all the way through to the finished process. This includes automatic reports on machine part efficiency.

The in-built system is also said to automatically adapt inks and colours to match the paper choice. According to the company, Prinect enables print shops to produce a large number of jobs with very short runs without a great deal of human intervention.

While this may not placate the worries mentioned in the Forbes Advisor report, this does show that industry leaders are endorsing AI as part of the future of print.

For software company Alludo, AI would appear to be a key part of its technological innovations. The CorelDRAW Graphics Suite, a design program marketed by Alludo for uses including business cards, magazines, and brochures, has recently announced a new AI graphics feature.

PC users of the program can now create unique vector graphics using text prompts with Vector FX, a standalone generative AI application available for purchase within CorelDRAW.

Vector FX aims to improve the design process by producing scalable graphics that can serve as a starting point for creative projects.

In Alludo’s official announcement, it is clear that it wants to distance itself from the criticism that has been aimed at AI, namely the fact that its use of a database of existing art could be seen as a form of copyright theft.

The company speaks of being “committed to responsible AI use,” stating: “Vector FX ensures all generated content adheres to ethical guidelines.” 

Alludo are far from the only software company turning to AI. Web-to-print software company, OnPrintShop, showcased its latest generative AI innovation at the PRINTING United Expo 2024, which took place earlier this month in Las Vegas.

The OnPrintShop storefront aims to streamline the process of turning designs into prints for companies and customers. The new AI feature of its web-to-print storefront, released as part of its Version 11.2 update, has been dubbed by the company as “a game-changer for print shop owners looking to streamline their product creation processes.”

The generative AI assistant will allow users to automate content and image creation, including generating product descriptions. The system can also automatically enhance the visuals and layout of products.

Other updates to the system include an improved user interface (UI), scheduled delivery for customers, and a new “product countdown timer” block to add to sites.

However, not everyone in the industry agrees with the assessment of AI as being the height of innovation. Speaking to the German publication, Print Power, Rüdiger Maaß of software and process engineering company FMP has a more measured opinion: “Everybody thinks it is an innovation,” he comments, “but it is not an innovation. It is only a new style to combine technology and to get a new result in combination with existing content.”

It is clear that generative AI technology is being utilised by businesses across the printing industry for a range of uses. As demonstrated by companies like Heidelberg, Alludo, and OnPrintShop, this “new style” is helping their customers become more efficient and minimise complex systems.