Ricoh’s latest announcement is another sign that the company is moving beyond its traditional printing business and deeper into AI-powered digital services. The company has signed an agreement with Thread AI to launch an internal pilot project that will automate facility-management operations across its Japanese facilities using artificial intelligence. The initiative will combine Thread AI’s AI orchestration technology with Ricoh’s digital-twin capabilities to create a platform that can analyze data, make operational decisions, and automatically execute workflows. Rather than using AI as a simple chatbot or analytics tool, Ricoh is testing “agentic AI” that can coordinate multiple systems and processes across buildings and workplaces. The pilot is designed to improve efficiency, reduce manual workloads, and validate how AI can manage complex operational tasks from start to finish. The project also aligns with Ricoh’s broader transformation strategy as it expands from printers and office equipment into AI, automation, workplace services, and digital transformation solutions.