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Explore Automation at Horizon Smart Factory 2026 in HIP

From October 28 to 30 and November 4 to 6, 2026, Canon Marketing Japan Inc. and Canon Production Printing Systems Inc. will showcase groundbreaking automation solutions at the Horizon Smart Factory 2026 in HIP. This exhibition, held at Horizon Innovation Park in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, aims to revolutionize the printing workflow through advanced automation methods, enhancing efficiency and response to labor shortages in the industry.

The theme for this year’s exhibition is “Coexistence with Unmanned Operations – FIRST TOUCH,” emphasizing the integration of cutting-edge autonomous technologies such as Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), and drones. Attendees can expect to witness live demonstrations featuring Canon’s high-speed sheet-fed inkjet printing machine, the varioPRINT iX3200, and the imagePRESS series of color production printers working in conjunction with Horizon’s post-processing equipment. These integrated solutions present a strong case for reducing human intervention while maintaining production quality and efficiency.

Key Exhibits and Demonstrations

1. Inline Bookbinding Systems

Attendees will see an inline demonstration of the varioPRINT iX3200 coupled with Horizon’s iCE STITCHLINER Mark V for saddle stitching. This setup will showcase the entire process from printing to stitching and three-sided trimming in a single pass. The demo will also include a near-line variable wireless binding production line, where outputs from the varioPRINT iX3200 will be automatically transported by AMRs and AGVs to the binding line where they will be assembled into book blocks and bound without human intervention.

2. End-to-End Wireless Binding Solution with imagePRESS V900

The imagePRESS V900 printer, despite its compact size, boasts a print speed of 90 pages per minute and can handle various paper types. This part of the exhibition will demonstrate a fully automated workflow themed around the binding of educational reference books. Using AMRs and AGVs, the printed materials will be transported without human assistance through the entire process from binding to sorting and packaging.

3. Manual Binding Line Featuring imagePRESS V800

The imagePRESS V800 will also be highlighted in a manual binding line exhibit. With a print speed of 80 pages per minute and consistent quality, it's designed for both commercial and in-house printing needs. The demonstration will illustrate how this printer integrates into an automated line for the production of bound manuals and booklets using robot-assisted wireless binding techniques.

Event Details

• - Dates:

- Domestic Program: October 28-30, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- International Program: November 4-6, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• - Venue: Horizon Innovation Park (Horizon Headquarters Biwako Plant), 1600 Asahi, Shin-Asahi Town, Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture
• - Admission: Free (Pre-registration required via website)
• - Organizers: Horizon Japan Co., Ltd., Horizon International Co., Ltd., and Horizon Corporation
• - Website: Horizon Smart Factory 2026

Contact for General Inquiries

For further questions related to the exhibition, please reach out to:
Canon Marketing Japan Inc, Production Systems Planning Section 2
Phone: 03-6719-9504 (Direct Line)

The Horizon Smart Factory 2026 in HIP is set to be an enlightening event showcasing the future of automation in the printing industry. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience these revolutionary technologies firsthand!