Horizon has announced the return of Horizon Smart Factory - Lights Out. Coexistence: The Automated Future.
The event at Horizon Innovation Park Headquarters, Japan, will take place from Wednesday November 4 to Friday November 6, 2026.



Under the theme Lights Out. Coexistence: The Automated Future, Horizon Smart Factory 2026 will explore the future of production and the concept of humans and robots working side by side. It will showcase how advanced automation can be implemented across every stage of the workflow.

Across approximately 2,000 m² (21,500 ft²) of exhibition space, automated and unmanned processes spanning printing, post processing, finishing, packaging, and transportation will be demonstrated by more than 25 systems, machines, printing presses, and robots.

Among them will be leading solutions from sponsors including: 

• Canon Marketing Japan
• DAC Engineering Co., Ltd.
• Fujifilm Business Innovation Corp.
• Heidelberger Druckmaschinen A.G.
• Konia Minolta Japan, INC.
• Ricoh Company Ltd.
• Riso Kagaku Corporation 
• Ryobi MHI Graphic Technology LTD.
• Screen
At the event Horizon will further refine fully automated systems across every stage of production. By leveraging state of the art technologies such as automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robots, and even drones, Horizon will show how to minimise human intervention while building workflows designed for real world operation in actual printing and bookbinding environments.

Eric Keane, IFS Managing Director comments: “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 prioritise quality, throughput, and minimal human intervention.”

More information about Horizon Smart Factory 2026 will be announced soon.

The event is open to all, please register here: 

https://www.ifsl.uk.com/horizon-smart-factory-2026-lights-coexistence-automated-future/

contact eric.keane@ifsl.uk.com to secure your place.

www.ifsl.uk.com