Koenig & Bauer and Siemens are advancing a multi-year project to develop a software-defined architecture for printing presses, with work currently focused on translating machine functions into modular software components and testing them on a Rapida 106 prototype.
The project centres on a structured transition to an object-oriented IT infrastructure, aimed at enabling flexible, scalable control of high-performance machinery used in the printing and packaging sector.
Development is taking place through co-engineering, with teams from both companies programming and evaluating the system directly on the prototype. Core machine functions, including synchronisation of machine and sheet travel, washing programmes, and positioning processes, are being implemented and tested in real time.
The companies say the approach responds to demand for IT systems that integrate into modern factory environments, while also addressing the shortage of specialised automation expertise.
Stephen Kimmich, ceo of Koenig & Bauer, said, “With our current product portfolio, our customers acquire installations that set the global benchmark for peak productivity and secure their competitiveness in the here and now. However, as industry pioneers, we bear the entrepreneurial responsibility to think further ahead. The strategic partnership with Siemens is the logical continuation of our technology strategy: we are breaking through existing system boundaries and making platform-independent software structures usable for the printing industry. In doing so, we are translating our current hardware excellence into the operational agility of the next decade.”
Michael Thomas, senior vice president of factory automation at Siemens, added, “Our collaboration is designed for a strategic, multi-year innovation path. In the demanding, high-end segment of mechanical engineering, modern IT tools and peak mechanical performance must mesh perfectly. This co-engineering allows us to thoroughly unlock the potential of our new control environment and, together with Koenig & Bauer, define tomorrow's standard.”
The project is based on the ‘Advanced Machine Engineering’ concept, with Siemens’ SIMATIC AX platform used as the central development environment. Object-oriented programming is being used to convert machine functions into modular, hardware-independent software components, forming the basis of a scalable software library for both standard and customised systems.
Christian Ziegenbalg, chief design engineer at Koenig & Bauer, said: “In the course of this targeted modernisation, Koenig & Bauer is pursuing the clear goal of establishing a future-proof software structure using modern and standard-compliant programming languages. This forms the foundation for remaining competitive and high-performing in the coming decades. In doing so, we consistently orientate ourselves towards the proven flexibility in the sheetfed offset sector in order to be able to react agilely to market changes at any time.”
Christian Steinmaßl, member of the group management at Koenig & Bauer, said the project “underlines our commitment to driving technological innovation through strategic cooperations”.
The companies say the architecture will support real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance via the myKyana service portal, and future use of digital twins for virtual commissioning. The system is also designed to enable lifecycle management functions, including pre-certified safety libraries and the activation of digital features via remote access.
Following the current development phase, the project will move to industrial trials in a market environment ahead of series release. Initial automation functions are expected to be presented at drupa 2028.