She is the artificial intelligence (AI) of the alphaJET coding system by Koenig and Bauer Coding, and we are very proud to introduce her to the public for the first time during this year’s Fachpack-show. The System was presentet in an holistic, innovative experience that reflects the high standards and expertise of the company in a multimedia-based way.

And, in order to facilitate the next step towards digitalization, we have also equipped Kyana with augmented reality. This is what we »beyond digital« and part of Koenig & Bauer 4.0. Be there to witness, live and interactive, the first artificial intelligence within an industrial coding system.

The central element of the presentation implemented by »Design and Systems« is the »AlphaJET«, a printer for product labeling. Function description, operation and maintenance of the device have been realized with digital tools for explanation and guidance. The goal was also to provide training and education opportunities for sales and the customers as well as a tool to support service and maintenance processes.

The Artificial Intelligence »Kyana« presents itself as an intelligent assistant and dialogue partner. This was realized with “ IBM Watson “. By voice or text input, Kyana may be asked about how to set up, use and maintain the device. As an attentive expert she stands with information and know-how aside. Extensive statistics and evaluations give the user information about the optimal operation of the AlphaJET. An authentic voice response with realistic intonation gives Kyana a natural voice.

Augmented reality enables ​​a spatial presence for the AI. AR enhances the visual perception of the device and expands it with elements that provide a deeper understanding of the hardware and how it works. Using the AR app, components and their functions can be viewed in detail on the tablet and can virtually be pulled out of the overall model (“virtual drawer”).

In combination with an »virtual conveyor belt«, the function of the printer is explained even more clearly. A label configurator lets the user create the print image and send it to the conveyor in real time. In addition to the classic user interface, labels can also be configured in dialogue with Kyana.

A unique technical development is the coupling of an “AR See-Through Headset” with tools for intuitive gesture interaction. Hand-Gesture control enables the user to open menus and to interact with the digital geometry of the AlphaJET (»virtual Twin«). Through the projection into the visor of the headset, virtual objects are exactly projected into the real space.

Hand gestures can also be sent in real time to the tablet app. For example, an explainer or service technician equipped with the AR headset may explain details of the device in a remote maintenance scenario. The exact transfer of the virtual hands into the AR representation of the model on the tablet creates the impression that the explainer is near to you. This simplifies the fast communication between service personnel and customers.