Horizon has announced the return of its Smart Factory event, with Horizon Smart Factory 2026 taking place at the company’s Innovation Park headquarters in Japan from 4 to 6 November 2026.
Held under the theme “Lights Out. Coexistence: The Automated Future”, the event will focus on the future of automated production and demonstrate how humans and robots can work alongside each other across the print production workflow.
The exhibition will span approximately 2000sqm (21,500sqft) and feature more than 25 systems, machines, printing presses and robots. Demonstrations will cover automated and unmanned processes across printing, post-processing, finishing, packaging and transportation.
Horizon said the event will showcase how advanced automation can be implemented throughout every stage of production, with systems designed to minimise human intervention while supporting real-world printing and bookbinding operations.
The company will demonstrate workflows incorporating technologies including automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots and drones as part of its vision for increasingly automated manufacturing environments.
Several industry partners will also participate in the event, including Canon Marketing Japan, DAC Engineering, Fujifilm Business Innovation, Heidelberger Druckmaschinen, Konica Minolta Japan, Ricoh Company, Riso Kagaku Corporation, Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology and Screen.
Eric Keane, managing director of Intelligent Finishing Systems (IFS), said: “In collaboration with industry partners, Horizon is taking automation to the next level to show how automation can be applied in practical manufacturing environments. It will demonstrate how end-to-end solutions prioritize quality, throughput, and minimal human intervention.”
Further details about Horizon Smart Factory 2026 are expected to be announced in the coming months.
