In a first-of-its-kind project, leading provider of signmaking and digital printing software SAi is partnering with Oxford University on a three-year research project that will explore the possibility of developing artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted signage software.
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| SAi’s project with Oxford University will explore the possibility of developing an AI-assisted software solution to aid sign & display companies |
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| 'Pushing the frontiers of innovation': Gudrun Bonte, SAi |
If the project is successful, this would be the first AI-tool of its kind within the sign industry.
“We are very excited about the potential of this AI research as it represents another move to bring new technologies to the sign industry,” said Gudrun Bonte, vice president of product management at SAi. “Pushing the frontiers of innovation to develop tools that will make the lives of our customers easier is what SAi is all about.”
During the initial stage, researchers from the university’s Department of Engineering Science will use aggregate data to determine the common trends and behaviour of sign designers. If clear patterns emerge, a software which aids large format print providers and sign & display companies when designing signage, could be brought to market in the future.
The project follows an increased demand from large format print providers and signmakers to reduce the time spent at the design stage. The software envisaged by the project could serve to inspire designers with suggestions, including best practice fonts, images and layouts, that the AI tool would be trained to provide. Beyond this, it could reduce the time and cost restraints currently faced by large format print providers and sign shops.
“Businesses are often compromised by the time-consuming design phase, with very little of the costs transferred to their customers,” Bonte said. “With AI, print providers and sign shops may also be able to recruit designers from a wider pool of applicants. This will secure more time and resources to dedicate to increasing their profit margins and revenue streams.”
Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, SA International (SAi) is recognized as a global leader in software solutions from design to production for the signmaking, digital printing and CNC machining industries. SAi has over 200,000 customers in more than 150 countries.
