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Jacob Hansen · CEO · Robotfactory · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Jacob Hansen from Robotfactory about how robotics and automation are becoming increasingly important within the graphics and finishing industry. Working closely with Zünd for more than 30 years in the Nordic region, Robotfactory specializes in integrating robotic solutions with digital cutting systems to automate loading, unloading, sorting, and material handling processes for print and finishing companies. The conversation explores how modern robotic systems are evolving from simple collaborative robots into highly flexible production tools capable of handling sheets, rolls, stickers, streamers, and a wide variety of materials through interchangeable grippers and software-controlled workflows. Hansen explains that Robotfactory focuses on creating standardized automation platforms that can later be customized and upgraded to meet customer requirements. Together, they discuss the challenges of labor shortages, rising production costs, and the need for easy-to-use automation that integrates seamlessly into existing workflows. While robotic systems represent a significant investment, Hansen argues that the return on investment often comes faster than expected, especially as labor becomes more expensive and difficult to find. Both agree that robotics will play a central role in the future of print production, particularly as the industry moves toward more automated, flexible, and lights-out manufacturing environments.

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Michael Deflorian · Vice President Kyveris & Software Solutions · Durst · FESPA Barcelona 2026

At FESPA Barcelona 2026, Wayne from INKISH speaks with Michael Deflorian from Durst about the company’s visionary “Kyveris Sandbox” concept, a fully autonomous production environment designed to demonstrate the future of industrial digital print manufacturing. Combining robotics, autonomous guided vehicles (AGVs), AI-driven workflow intelligence, quality inspection systems, and digital twin technology, the setup showcases how lights-out production is moving from concept to reality. Deflorian explains how the system creates a virtual digital twin of the production environment that continuously monitors and synchronizes with the physical production line in real-time. Materials are automatically transported by AGVs, loaded and unloaded by robotic arms with sub-millimeter precision, printed, quality-checked through camera inspection systems, and sorted automatically without human intervention. The solution is designed to reduce touchpoints, minimize waste, improve efficiency, and support fully automated production workflows across complex print environments. The conversation also highlights how Durst’s open software architecture and Open Software Initiative enable integration with third-party devices, OEM equipment, and external workflow systems, enabling automation across mixed production environments rather than only within a single vendor ecosystem. Together, they discuss how AI, automation, sustainability, and industrial intelligence are rapidly reshaping the future of print production.

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Marisa Dütsch · Produktionsleitung & Prozessmanagement · Digital Print Group · Print Symposium ’26

Interview In German Morten Reitoft from INKISH visits the Veit Rudolph Druck Symposium, an event hosted by the German printing company in a spectacular location in the Alps, bringing together printers, suppliers, manufacturers, and industry professionals for open discussions about the future of print. Together with Morten, explore why the event is called “Danger Zone.” Unlike a traditional trade fair, the symposium creates a more honest and relaxed atmosphere where people from across the printing industry can exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and discuss the realities facing the business today. The conversation also moves into more difficult territory. What happens if major technology suppliers disappear? What happens if customer expectations fundamentally change? Will printing companies still exist in 10 years, and if so, what role will they play? Marisa explains that while companies naturally adapt and evolve, it is important to continuously question existing business models and think beyond traditional printing. Many companies are already discussing how they may need to develop new competencies and services in order to remain relevant in the future. Another important topic is communication. Both Morten and Marisa agree that the printing industry often fails to explain how advanced, creative, and important modern print really is. The discussion touches on whether this responsibility falls to industry associations, individual printers, suppliers, or media platforms such as INKISH. An honest and thoughtful conversation from one of the industry’s more unique networking and discussion events. --- Morten Reitoft von INKISH besucht das Veit Rudolph Druck Symposium, eine Veranstaltung des deutschen Druckunternehmens in einer beeindruckenden Location in den Alpen. Das Symposium bringt Druckereien, Hersteller, Lieferanten und Branchenprofis zusammen, um offen über die Zukunft der Druckindustrie zu sprechen. Gemeinsam spricht Morten darüber, warum die Veranstaltung den Namen „Danger Zone“ trägt. Anders als eine klassische Fachmesse schafft das Symposium eine ehrliche und entspannte Atmosphäre, in der Menschen aus der Druckindustrie Ideen austauschen, bestehende Denkweisen hinterfragen und offen über die Herausforderungen der Branche diskutieren können. Das Gespräch geht dabei bewusst auch in schwierigere Themen hinein. Was passiert, wenn große Technologieanbieter plötzlich verschwinden? Was passiert, wenn sich die Anforderungen der Kunden grundlegend verändern? Wird es Druckereien in zehn Jahren überhaupt noch geben, und wenn ja, welche Rolle werden sie dann spielen? Marisa erklärt, dass Unternehmen sich selbstverständlich weiterentwickeln und anpassen müssen. Gleichzeitig sei es wichtig, bestehende Geschäftsmodelle immer wieder kritisch zu hinterfragen und über den klassischen Druck hinauszudenken. Viele Unternehmen beschäftigen sich bereits heute intensiv mit neuen Kompetenzen und Dienstleistungen, um auch in Zukunft relevant zu bleiben. Ein weiterer wichtiger Punkt ist die Kommunikation der Branche. Sowohl Morten als auch Marisa sind der Meinung, dass die Druckindustrie oft nicht ausreichend erklärt, wie modern, kreativ und wichtig Print heute tatsächlich ist. Dabei stellt sich die Frage, ob diese Aufgabe stärker von Verbänden, einzelnen Druckereien, Herstellern oder Medienplattformen wie INKISH übernommen werden sollte. Ein ehrliches und nachdenkliches Gespräch von einer der besonderen Networking- und Diskussionsveranstaltungen der Druckindustrie.