Koenig & Bauer (US/CA) and Robotics Leader Rigorous Technology Maximize Postpress Performance

April 29, 2026 - 10:42

Koenig & Bauer (US/CA), a prominent name in printing and finishing technology, has announced a strategic partnership with Rigorous Technology, a recognized leader in industrial robotics and automation. This collaboration is specifically designed to maximize postpress performance, addressing a critical bottleneck in modern print production workflows.

By integrating Rigorous Technology’s advanced robotic systems with Koenig & Bauer’s high-speed finishing equipment, the partnership aims to deliver seamless, automated material handling from the delivery of printed sheets to the final finished product. The primary objective is to eliminate manual intervention in repetitive tasks such as palletizing, stacking, and sorting, which are often prone to errors and slowdowns. This integration is expected to significantly increase throughput while reducing labor costs and workplace injuries associated with heavy lifting.

Industry experts note that as print runs become shorter and turnaround times tighten, the postpress stage has become the most critical area for efficiency gains. The combined solution promises to offer print providers a fully synchronized production line, where robotic arms communicate directly with the finishing machinery to adjust speeds and handling in real-time. This level of automation not only boosts productivity but also ensures consistent quality and reduces waste.

Both companies have emphasized that this is not merely a reseller agreement but a deep technical collaboration. Engineers from both firms are working to create standardized interfaces and control systems that allow for plug-and-play automation. This move is expected to set a new benchmark for postpress performance, enabling commercial printers and packaging converters to achieve higher levels of operational excellence in an increasingly competitive market.