On May 12, 2026, the Cluster AIR visited Fr. Ant. Niedermayr GmbH & Co. KG. The Regensburg-based family-owned company, founded in 1801 and now in its sixth generation of leadership, gave participants a glimpse into its modern printing operations and AI projects.
Christos Naskos, Head of Research and Development, gave the guests a tour of the production facilities. During the tour, it became clear just how much automation, data processing, and quality assurance shape industrial printing today. In addition to the large heatset web offset printing plant, the corporate group includes an advertising agency, a photo studio, and in-house Internet specialists and software developers. Its main products are advertising brochures and extensive catalogs for well-known manufacturers.
The company is focusing on artificial intelligence and is collaborating with other cluster members in this area. Together with the startup Pendura, it has implemented a project for automatic image tagging. As part of the AIM-SMEs project, OTH Regensburg and NIEDERMAYR are working on an AI-based plausibility check for PDF documents. Oliver von Sicard’s presentation demonstrated how AI-based object recognition can efficiently help check print data for errors and optimize prepress workflows.
The example of image generation clearly illustrates that while artificial intelligence is being used more and more, it complements—rather than replaces—proven methods. Even as the basis for AI-generated images, photographs from the company’s in-house photo studio are essential for achieving high-quality, realistic results and avoiding hallucinations.
The event clearly demonstrated how a company with a long tradition combines modern technologies, sustainability, and artificial intelligence. At the same time, it offered participants the opportunity for cross-industry discussion about specific AI applications within the cluster and their potential for industrial practice.