AI will eventually streamline an increasing amount of human labor, such as verifying print output systems. All things considered, AI makes employment safer and more effective. Additionally, there is a lot of room for cost reductions when it comes to purchasing production and professional print materials. What does AI already do for print shops now, and what are the potential future developments?
A Definition of Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning
All three phrases are actually linked.
Machine learning and deep learning techniques are used to create artificial intelligence. The ability of robots to learn and adapt without human assistance is what gives them the appearance of “intelligence.” Although the fundamentals are not new, a new science has emerged as a result of increased access to big data sets and declining high-performance computing costs. Artificial intelligence is mostly influenced by two sources:
Algorithms are used in machine learning to “learn” from data, including photographs. In order to categorize subsequent photos at a higher volume, machine learning typically requires human interaction through manual tagging of sample images. A model is created to forecast the possibility of an image match from a data feed after a human annotates photographs so that the computer can identify important aspects. Analyzing the contents of a complicated visual scene or facial recognition are two instances of the application of machine learning. A relatively modest data set can be quickly transformed into a data model using machine learning.
A subset of machine learning is called deep learning. Essentially, deep learning creates the identification model automatically rather than requiring human interaction to tag data in order to identify text, voice, or image features. Building the models takes a lot longer and calls for considerably larger data sets. “Neural networks,” which are designed to replicate how humans learn and adjust to new information, are frequently used. Deep learning is capable of identifying tasks in addition to data items like photos. For this reason, this technology becomes crucial for operations that involve a lot of processes. Intelligent automation of software systems and physical systems, like robot arms, is possible for the tasks that are a part of daily operations.
Starting with fundamental intelligence for print operations, Konica Minolta employs all three components in different degrees of intelligence and sophistication throughout its range.
The advantages of AI for print companies
Manufacturing workers’ lives are being made easier by AI, which is now being utilized to make the working and manufacturing environment safer and more dependable.
By automating processes, AI helps print firms save labor expenses. AI also makes it possible to plan resources more effectively and accomplish sustainability objectives more successfully. More remote control capabilities and round-the-clock operation for improved press utilization, together with well-planned maintenance, will be available to printers.
Sensible fixes from Konica Minolta
Intelligent algorithms that minimize print waste during the production print process and identify various document layouts. Customized mailings with varying content based on a customer’s profile can be automatically generated for direct mail and catalogs. This method is less prone to errors and more efficient thanks to AI. Because intelligent software can keep track of which presses are busy and which are not, it can route new jobs to available presses directly when it comes to job submission. Self-monitoring presses use a variety of sensors to continuously check on themselves. Algorithms can make real-time adjustments based on data, such as adjusting image quality and paper orientation. Without human involvement, the output is the finest print quality imaginable.
Konica Minolta can receive press operational data immediately. Using tools and algorithms, specialized experts will analyze press data and compare it to the anticipated performance. After that, a technician can determine and suggest software modifications or updates. Even before there is a service outage or disruption, predictive analytics can detect service requirements and start maintenance.
With robust and automated adjustments for image position, registration, and absolute color control—including hybrid color measurement and real-time correction for print output—Konica Minolta’s Intelligent Quality Care (IQ-501) saves time during printing. You can quickly build new and varied print goods with Intelligent Quality Care.
Additionally, issues with individual print jobs can be automatically detected and fixed while printing is underway, eliminating the need for human intervention. This addition greatly streamlines the printing process.
Prospects for AI in Production Printing
The evaluation of an object’s output quality, especially that of its surface or edge, is the next domain in which artificial intelligence is used. For instance, camera technology linked to a quality inspection system can evaluate the accuracy of cuts made during the post-printing process. Here, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used and learn continuously, replacing some of the manual chores that people perform, freeing them up to work on more lucrative projects.
The manipulation of materials by networked robots is another example of the future. AI may, for instance, determine how long a print job will take and how much paper will be used, and then schedule reloading appropriately, transporting the appropriate supplies from a store to the machine’s side for human handling. Robots are being studied for in-line paper loading; the primary difficulty is precise alignment with huge printer loading bays.
A third field is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT to enhance communication and, for instance, swiftly access and utilize technical knowledge currently found in manuals and documentation. Today, Konica Minolta is able to offer its clients increasingly advanced AI technology. Hardware for the IQ-501 Intelligent Quality Care solution’s automatic quality inspection and correction features as well as AI systems linked by the Internet of Things, including industry-standard collaborative robot arms, are examples of solutions. Additionally, camera systems can automatically analyze environmental factors like heat or moisture and monitor workplace health and safety hazards brought on by people, equipment, or environmental factors
These IoT technologies can also be combined by Konica Minolta to produce fresh, useful information for the printing sector and production printing settings. As an end-to-end solution, we are also focusing on combining prepress, press, and postpress technologies. Connecting the dots to minimize manual touchpoints in accordance with Industry 5.0 principles is our goal.
- Safer places to work
- A more dependable manufacturing setting
- Better, automated decision-making through the integration of data from several sources
- Quicker decision-making
- Error reduction
- Automated procurement that lowers costs
- Improved scheduling and resource management
- More environmentally friendly printing
- Reduced personnel expenses
- Increased use of the press
By combining prepress, press, and post press into a single system that functions well together and can be managed by automated decision-making processes like AI and ERP systems, our customers can open a whole new chapter of inline capabilities in production printing and industrial printing with Konica Minolta.
