Dantex unveils industry-first PAL AI operator support at LOUPE Americas 2026
Dantex Group will unveil PAL – Pico Adaptive Logic – said to be a true industry-first AI operator support system for the UV inkjet label press sector at LOUPE Americas 2026. By placing a virtual Dantex technical specialist directly on the press, PAL provides operators with immediate support for production, maintenance and troubleshooting. Visitors will get their first look at the technology at booth 6415 ahead of its official launch in early 2027. LOUPE Americas 2026 takes place in Chicago from 15–17 September.
PAL is an intuitive, natural-language-enabled system designed to support operators throughout the day-to-day running of their press. Integrated into the PicoPilot and PicoCenta interfaces, it will appear as a distinctive animated globe and respond in a clear, natural voice. Operators will be able to ask questions, understand press functions, achieve specific production results and address maintenance issues simply by speaking to PAL using everyday language. Operators don’t need to memorise specific commands or terminology, or interrupt their workflow to look up the right technical document. The system will also monitor press information and proactively assist if it identifies a fault or emerging issue during production.
Drawing on Dantex’s extensive and continually evolving technical knowledge base, PAL is expected to shorten response times and simplify service and maintenance, while helping customers maximise press uptime and production efficiency. Dantex has developed the system in collaboration with 42 Technology (42T), a Cambridge, UK-based product design and innovation consultancy with expertise spanning artificial intelligence, product and system development, and manufacturing innovation. The collaboration combines Dantex’s detailed knowledge of digital inkjet presses and converter requirements with 42T’s experience in applying advanced technologies to complex industrial challenges.
Ben Danon, CEO of Dantex Group, said: “PAL marks an incredibly exciting new direction for Dantex and for operator support in the UV label press sector. Our aim is to bring the knowledge and reassurance of a technical specialist directly to the press, making support faster, simpler and more accessible.
“LOUPE visitors will be among the first to experience how naturally they can interact with PAL and to see its potential to support higher uptime, more confident operation and greater production efficiency. We will continue to develop and teach PAL ahead of its official launch in 2027 and beyond.”
PAL will continue to evolve as Dantex expands its knowledge base, introduces new capabilities and applies insights gained from its use in the field, with customer data protection remaining central to its ongoing development. The technology will form part of the PicoCare service and support offering, with all new Pico presses equipped with PAL from 2027.
Peter Brown, chief commercial officer at 42T, added: “This project showcases 42 Technology’s expertise in deploying advanced AI technologies to make complex industrial equipment easier to operate and maintain.
“Our work with Dantex builds on our strong track record for delivering practical, first-of-its-kind innovations, particularly in the digital printing sector. We’re excited by the potential for AI-driven operator support systems and look forward to seeing where this partnership takes both companies.”
Alongside PAL, Dantex will showcase its latest Pico digital inkjet press portfolio, led by the flagship PicoJet 1200 DRS and the PicoColour 254. Full information will also be available on the GM DC350 finishing system for the PicoColour 254. This hybrid bolt-on solution can transform the press from a roll-to-roll system into a complete roll-to-hybrid production platform with integrated inline finishing, giving converters a scalable route to broader production capabilities.