By Erwin Busselot, Director Business Innovation & Solutions, Ricoh Graphic Communications, Ricoh Europe, Ricoh Europe 

“We tend to overestimate the effect of a technology in the short run and underestimate the effect in the long run.” So states Amara’s Law named after its creator, Roy Amara.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a great example of Amara’s Law as I shared last night at Ricoh’s Time Jump VIP event as part of Hunkeler Innovationdays 2025. First studied in the 1950s, with programs excitedly developed in the 1960s, commercialization was slow. Sixty years later applications are becoming more widespread, such as virtual assistants and chatbots emulating human interactions.

Today, with Al algorithms, everyday patterns from data are identified over time to educate recommendation engines for predictive maintenance and predictive forecasting. Multilayered neural networks that learn from vast amounts of data are refining natural language processing, image recognition, and autonomous driving.

In the printing industry AI is making its mark too. It is having a particular impact on seven key areas:

1. Enhanced print quality and consistency AI algorithms monitor production in real time to ensure optimal print quality and consistency and Machine Learning (ML) systems detect potential defects early and make automatic adjustments. This reduces waste, increases productivity by preventing downtime, and ensures consistent quality.

2. Predictive maintenance AI excels at predicting equipment failures before they occur. ML analyses device usage patterns, maintenance records, and system logs to forecast issues and schedule maintenance proactively. This improves asset utilisation, extends equipment lifespan, and minimises operational disruptions.

3. Personalisation AI enables unprecedented personalisation at scale in printing by analysing customer data to generate tailored designs, layouts, and content. This streamlines the creation of effective print campaigns, increases engagement and conversion rates, and enhances customer satisfaction

4. Workflow automation AI powered systems streamline workflows with the automation of end to end production processes by autonomously routing jobs and executing repetitive tasks. This optimises efficiency, reduces labour dependency and error potential, and allows employees to focus on more complex, creative, and collaborative work.

5. Sustainable printing practices AI is promoting sustainability within the printing industry by analysing the environmental impact of production processes and materials. This ensures efficient resource usage, reduces waste, lowers energy consumption and provides eco-friendly material recommendations.

6. Advanced data analytics AI processes vast amounts of operational data to improve outcomes via the provision of predictive and prescriptive insights from collected ML data. This enables faster, more accurate decisions, streamlines operations, and fosters innovation for competitive advantage.

7. Innovative printing technologies AI is advancing technologies like 3D and digital printing from smart layouts to automated die-cut algorithms and digital twin implementations. This enhances precision and capabilities, empowers less skilled operators, and simulates and optimizes production processes cost effectively.