Canon Showcases AI, Automation and Large-Format Print Innovation at FESPA 2026

By Francisca Anuforo,

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) has showcased its latest advances in large-format printing, workflow automation and AI-enabled production technologies at the FESPA Global Print Expo 2026 in Barcelona, reinforcing the growing role of digital printing in retail, packaging, interior décor and industrial production.

Under the theme “Move Your World,” Canon used the exhibition to demonstrate how intelligent print technologies, automation and strategic partnerships are reshaping the commercial print industry and helping businesses unlock new revenue opportunities.

The showcase featured a range of large-format production systems, including Canon’s Arizona, Colorado and imagePROGRAF platforms, alongside workflow and media solutions designed to support high-volume, customised and sustainable printing applications.

A major highlight was the European debut of the new Colorado XL-series, a 3.4-metre wide-format printer built to support both rigid and flexible media production.

The printer demonstrated live production of applications ranging from signage and promotional displays to décor and packaging materials, powered by Canon’s UVgel technology.

According to Canon, the system supports a wide variety of substrates including vinyl, banners, films, soft signage materials, foam boards, acrylic and aluminium composite panels, while delivering industrial-scale productivity.

The company said the XL-series addresses growing demand among print service providers seeking faster turnaround times and greater media flexibility without compromising output quality.

Canon also highlighted how strategic partnerships are becoming increasingly central to modern print production ecosystems.

Working alongside technology and finishing partners such as Fotoba and Neolt Factory, the company demonstrated integrated production environments designed to automate specialised print applications.

Among these was the UVgel Factory for Wallpaper, an automated mass-customisation platform that combines Canon’s Colorado M-series printer with integrated media feeding, cutting and rewinding systems.

The solution enables on-demand production of customised wallpapers, décor applications and personalised wrapping materials.

Another featured innovation was the UVgel Factory for Posters, designed for high-volume automated poster production.

The system demonstrated how automation can streamline print workflows while supporting short-run and customised production models increasingly demanded by modern customers.

Canon also introduced visitors to its AI Tactile Studio, where live demonstrations explored how artificial intelligence and simplified workflows are enabling users to create tactile and textured print experiences with minimal technical complexity.

The sessions highlighted AI’s growing influence within the print ecosystem, where creative production is becoming increasingly software-driven and accessible.

Supporting the production demonstrations was Canon’s PRISMA XL Suite, an open workflow platform designed to integrate with existing print environments while improving production accuracy and operational efficiency.

The workflow system enables print service providers to manage jobs from design preparation through production and delivery, reducing errors and improving first-time print accuracy.

The company said its open-platform approach allows businesses greater flexibility when integrating third-party software and production systems.

Canon also used the event to reinforce its commitment to sustainable printing.

Visitors explored the company’s expanding portfolio of wide-format media, including PVC-free graphic materials, supporting environmentally conscious production across signage, textiles, wall coverings and backlit display applications.

Speaking at the event, Tushar Vaishnavi, Business Unit Director for B2B at Canon Central and North Africa, said the company’s focus was to help print businesses make smarter investment decisions while positioning themselves for long-term growth.

“At FESPA 2026, we created an experience designed to support print service providers and packaging converters to make confident decisions when looking for the right technologies and partners to support their next steps,” Vaishnavi said.

“Through impactful applications created using Canon’s technologies, visitors saw clear proof of the exciting future of large-format print and packaging.”

Canon also strengthened its position within the packaging sector through its participation at the co-located Corrugated 2026 exhibition, where it showcased digital corrugated printing solutions.

Among these was the corrPRESS iB17, Canon’s next-generation digital press for industrial-scale corrugated packaging production.

The system combines high-speed output with high-resolution printing using water-based inks and supports food-safe indirect packaging applications.

The company said the growing convergence of automation, AI, sustainability and digital production is redefining the future of commercial printing, creating opportunities for businesses seeking more flexible and customised manufacturing models.

For African markets, where demand for signage, packaging, retail branding and customised décor continues to grow, Canon believes advanced print technologies will increasingly play a strategic role in supporting creative industries and industrial production.