Drupa Imaging Summit Explores Role of Artificial Intelligence in Printing and Imaging Industry

This year’s drupa trade fair in Düsseldorf, Germany will feature the inaugural drupa Imaging Summit, organized by Messe Düsseldorf as part of the special forum “drupa next age” (dna). Renowned industry experts will deliver keynote speeches and participate in panels discussing key topics at the intersection of imaging technologies and printing, with a significant focus on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The imaging industry has witnessed significant evolution, transitioning from analog to digital workflows, and is now embracing AI as the next frontier. At the drupa Imaging Summit, AI’s impact on image creation, optimization, and print quality will take center stage.

Dennis Oberfeld, Google Cloud/Customer Engineer, will present “Picture This: How Artificial Intelligence (AI) is Revolutionizing Image Creation,” showcasing Google’s AI solutions and their applications in streamlining workflows and enhancing print quality.

Andreas Jürgensen, Founder of AI Imagelab (ai-imagelab.de), will discuss the current landscape of AI-generated images, highlighting relevant programs and processes, and providing insights into AI’s future applications in imaging.

Sarah Lefebvre, Director of Marketing at EyeQ Imaging Inc., will explore the advancements of AI in photo printing and its real-world impact on the industry, demonstrating the transformative possibilities of AI technology.

Adrian Rohnfelder, Founder of AI Imagelab, will outline potential future print products influenced by AI, including changes to existing products and emerging consumer needs for innovative printing technologies.

Servi Pieters, CEO of Viesus™, will unveil how AI algorithms improve image print production, minimizing suboptimal prints and enhancing overall quality without manual intervention.

The drupa Imaging Summit promises to be an insightful event, highlighting AI’s growing role in shaping the future of the printing and imaging industry, driving innovation and efficiency across various sectors.

Exploring the Pros and Cons of Digital Signage and Printed Signage

In a recent discussion, Sonja Angerer dives into the merits and drawbacks of digital signage versus printed signage, examining how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and spatial computing are reshaping this landscape and impacting the printing industry.

The Role of Signage at European Sign Expo 2024

The European Sign Expo 2024 held in Amsterdam alongside the FESPA Global Print Expo showcased the evolving significance of signage. Notably, the trade show featured a Digital Signage Lounge, underscoring the growing prominence of screen-based advertising.

Advantages of Digital Signage

Digital signage offers dynamic content that can be updated in real-time, enabling advertisers to respond swiftly to changing circumstances. Connectivity to the internet allows access to databases for weather information or sales data. Furthermore, AI tools, like those from Nexmosphere, facilitate audience analysis, potentially revolutionizing targeted advertising.

From an environmental perspective, digital signage minimizes waste generated from traditional printed campaigns, providing a more sustainable advertising solution. Moreover, technological advancements have made digital signage more accessible and user-friendly.

Advantages of Printed Signage

Despite the rise of digital signage, printed signage retains its relevance, especially in cost-effectiveness and durability. Printed materials require lower initial investment and are suitable for locations with high vandalism risks. Moreover, printed content is familiar and easy to interact with, making it accessible to various audiences, including those with special needs.

Disadvantages of Digital Signage

The implementation and maintenance costs of digital signage can be significant, compounded by concerns about environmental impact and privacy issues associated with AI-powered systems. Reliance on technical infrastructure also poses risks of system failures and interruptions.

Disadvantages of Printed Signage

Printed signage faces challenges in flexibility and audience reach compared to digital counterparts. Moreover, obtaining analytics from print campaigns is more challenging, impacting advertisers’ ability to gauge effectiveness.

Future Outlook

As technology continues to evolve, the future of signage may evolve beyond digital and printed formats. Spatial computing, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) present new avenues for interactive advertising experiences. The coexistence of digital and printed signage is likely to persist, with each serving distinct purposes based on context and target audience.

In navigating this dynamic landscape, industry players are exploring hybrid approaches that leverage both digital and traditional signage to optimize content effectiveness and audience engagement.