Koenig & Bauer has showcased its vision for the future of the printing and packaging industry at Hannover Messe, demonstrating how new technologies are tackling key challenges such as rising energy costs, skills shortages, and demographic shifts. Central to its display was a focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and seamless connectivity.
According to the company, standout at the event, which finishes today after starting on 31 March, was Koenig & Bauer Kyana, a new software subsidiary dedicated to AI-powered solutions. The company, in collaboration with its partners Google Cloud and Deloitte, presented its Connected Packaging platform, a cloud-based system designed to enhance consumer engagement through personalised, AI-driven interactions. This technology aims to revolutionise how brands connect with customers throughout the product lifecycle, from initial purchase to replenishment of consumables.
At Hannover Messe there was a live demonstration on the Google Cloud stand, where the Connected Packaging platform was applied to a fully automatic coffee machine. Using augmented reality (AR) and AI, the system provided a dynamic, personalised shopping experience, offering guidance from the point of sale through to unboxing. The use of Google’s AI “Gemini” allowed consumers to interact directly with an AI chatbot via the packaging, adding an interactive layer to the consumer journey.
As stated by Koenig & Bauer, its approach is “reshaping the packaging industry” by enabling smart, seamless connections between digital and physical products, ensuring smoother integration into existing production processes for manufacturers. Sandra Wagner, CEO of Koenig and Bauer Kyana, emphasised this, stating that the company is actively shaping the future of packaging.
She added: “Connected Packaging is the key to end-to-end digitalisation, where we are no longer just optimising production, but also opening up entirely new ways for brands to interact with their customers. The significant interest shown by visitors at Hannover Messe has reinforced this for us.”
