Artificial Intelligence/Robotics are global buzzwords right now but conventional logic says that qualified printers will always be needed, even as ‘press minders.’ However, a development by the Fredrikstad University of Norway’s Dr. Rollo Pilaf could turn this all on its head.
Gutenbot- made to resemble Gutenberg for comfort 
Johannes Gutenberg - inspiration for Gutenbots
Printing has seen striking advances in automation since drupa 2000 and yet, there remains a global shortage of qualified Offset printers who can operate and maintain complex multi-colour presses.
However, those days could be numbered if an invention by Dr. Rollo Pilaf and his team at the Fredrikstad University of Norway does commercial in a big way.
Robots used in printing thus far have been mainly ‘arms’ that can place substrates on the imaging bed or change plates or turn piles of paper and palletise them –‘Co-bots’ for the humans. The next Gen6 leap is for completely autonomous humanoid but agentic robots programmed specifically for operating the printroom.
Dubbed ‘Gutenbots’ by Dr Pilaf in honour of the inventor of modern printing, The first automaton has been programmed to perform virtually all of the functions of a real person – apart from bathroom and lunch breaks! Dr Rollo Pilaf takes up the story:
“We recognised that walking, talking robots can appear intimidating, so our team decided to ‘personify’ Gutenbots by dressing them in overalls and, in the case of our first prototype, even giving it a Gutenberg-style beard.”
Ocular spectrophotometers
Colour management remains one of the key skills needed by press operators, whether offset of digital. One of the amazing inclusions of Gutenbots is the wiring-in of spectrophotometers as ‘eyes’ to read colour (and density), in whatever proof or print sample it looks at. Once colour bars or charts are read, all the Gutenbot needs to do is direct its gaze wirelessly to a sensor on the press and the ink keys (if offset) or ICC data (if digital) are adjusted accordingly.
Many advanced multi-colour B1+ presses already feature automated plate dismount and loading but the press-ready plates still need to be conveyed from the CtP room to the press. The same goes for paper stocks – rarely do two jobs call for the same substrate. Gutenbots work in harmony with AGVs (Automated Guidance Vehicles), to pick, stack and convey the right plates and substrates to the right press.
No sickies, no holidays
Dr Pilaf notes other advantages of using Gutenbots:
- No shifts – Gutenbots are always available apart from recharging times, which the Gutenbots manage without human intervention
- No sick days, just routine maintenance
- No holidays or long-service leave
- No union issues, although this can be programmed in
- Wages and thus Payroll tax are eliminated
- Gutenbots are loyal and Ai programming ensures they will work for only one boss
- OH&S – if a Gutenbot is ‘injured’, parts can be replaced quickly and at low cost
When asked about the 3-4 year apprenticeship training for Certificate III qualification here in Australia, Dr Rollo says:
“I am not familiar with the precise nature of the Australian Certificate III but, if the syllabus and segments are available digitally, this can be programmed into each Gutenbot so, it is feasible for a Gutenbot to become qualified in a matter of minutes, not years.”
“We have already entered talks with Heidelberger Druckmaschinen to include a package of up to three Gutenbots with every offset press sold.”
The ramifications of Gutenbots are massive and we will be bringing readers regular reports on progress and field tests prior to commercialisation, which is expected by April 2026.
