Episode 300 - Why Robotics and AI Will Redefine Print’s Next Chapter

In this episode, FuturePrint speaks with Mark Boyt, one of the print industry’s most experienced and respected analysts, now Principal Analyst at Keypoint Intelligence. With more than four decades in print across 3M, Xerox and now Keypoint, Mark brings a unique, long-view perspective on how technology, culture and economics shape the sector’s evolution.

Mark discusses the slow but accelerating adoption of automation within print, revealing new research showing that nearly half of printers have not yet begun their automation journey. He explores why: the industry’s inherently conservative mindset, caution around investment, and the complexity of integrating disparate workflows.

A major theme of the conversation is robotics — where Mark believes print is significantly behind other industries, yet exceptionally well-positioned to benefit. He explains why robots are ideal for lifting, transporting and repetitive handling tasks that continue to pressure today’s production floors. He also addresses common misconceptions, such as fears around job loss, noting instead the potential to relieve labour shortages and free staff for higher-value work.

Mark also highlights the escalating role of AI as the “turbocharger” for automation, connecting workflow islands, optimising scheduling, and enabling more predictive and intelligent production.

The discussion ultimately presents a compelling vision of the near future: highly automated, AI-orchestrated production environments where robotics integrates seamlessly into print workflows. Mark shares clear, practical advice for printers on how to begin that journey, the importance of strategic planning, and why events like FuturePrint Industrial Print Munich offer essential opportunities to learn, see technologies firsthand, and build the roadmap for the next phase of print innovation.

FuturePrint Events:

FuturePrint TECH: Industrial Print: 21-22 January '26, Munich, Germany