In recent years, we've seen technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and the Internet of Things (IoT) change the way we work. As an IT professional, you've probably spent the past year either implementing or thinking about ways to implement these technologies and reap the benefits for your business.
But 2026 will have more to offer, with existing technologies becoming more sophisticated and mainstream. Here are some trends to watch in the coming year.
In a recent report, McKinsey identified artificial intelligence as a transformative technology, with 88% of organisations now regularly using AI in at least one business function. AI continues to evolve with numerous applications in various industries—with 23% of enterprises already scaling agentic AI systems across their operations.
Autonomous robots, drones, vehicles and even appliances use AI to perform tasks normally done by humans. Self-driving vehicles, for instance, can now navigate complex environments, follow road rules, sense everything that's happening around them, and learn the quickest way to a destination—all without human intervention.
Another significant application of AI focuses on augmented analytics. It uses machine learning technology to automate how data is gathered, analysed and presented. In many situations, it can even remove the need for a professional data scientist. With augmented analytics, any company employee—from HR and finance to sales and customer service—can have quick access to data analysis and insights to make better business decisions.
This presents huge opportunities for businesses that can capitalise on this data—but it also presents big challenges in terms of how businesses collect, process and store information. As a result, document management solutions powered by AI are becoming far more powerful.
In short, artificial intelligence has a huge potential to disrupt any business and industry. As an IT Manager, it is important for you to recognise and leverage the benefits of AI in improving processes and enhancing operational efficiencies. Kyocera's managed IT services can help your organisation navigate AI adoption with confidence.
Automation continues to be a key theme in 2026. And one technology trend that has become mainstream is robotic process automation. The global RPA market reached USD 28.31 billion in 2025 and is expanding at a CAGR of over 24%, with more than 53% of global enterprises now employing RPA in at least one business function.
RPA automates business processes to free up employees from doing routine tasks, so they can focus on top priorities and higher value objectives. With RPA tools, you can easily manage applications, gather and analyse data, communicate with other systems and trigger responses when certain conditions are met. It can be as simple as automating email responses to customer queries or troubleshooting IT issues—with businesses achieving 30-200% ROI in the first year of implementation.
Kyocera's process automation services can enhance your enterprise content management and document solutions. These solutions can be trained to automate tasks like identifying and organising documents based on content, storing them in easily accessible folders, and automatically running document process workflows.
We've seen significant advances in 3D printing as more organisations realise the potential benefit of this technology. The global 3D printing market reached USD 30.55 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 168.93 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of 23.9%.
There continues to be significant increases in adoption of this technology across different industries (particularly in healthcare, aerospace and automotive) as 3D printers become more sophisticated, faster and more cost effective.
Metal 3D printing has gained substantial popularity, with aerospace parts achieving up to 55% weight reduction and 20% fuel savings. With advances in software technology, significant increases in quality and more affordable components, businesses are actively utilising metal printing to produce more durable outputs.
Also, there is higher demand for customisation in 3D printing. Automobile, aerospace and dental industries are particularly active in this space—and more companies in other sectors are seeing the value of providing customers with customised product options and prototypes. The technology has evolved from primarily prototyping to full-scale production of end-use parts.
"Technologies such as AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and automation are having a transformative impact on how work gets done" (Gartner)
We've seen the rise of the 'mobile workforce', where employees can work anytime, anywhere and easily access important data or information in real time. This has given workers increased freedom and flexibility on how, when and where they can deliver their best work.
In 2026, we continue to see more companies implement digital or mobile-enabled work environments to increase employee satisfaction, improve productivity and streamline processes.
We also see more workplaces bridging the gap between physical and digital environments with better integration, connectivity and automated 'intelligent' systems. People, processes and technologies come together to create more seamless and interactive experiences for staff and customers.
As the concept of a paperless office becomes a reality for most businesses, everything is stored and managed in the cloud. Intelligent document management devices—equipped with advanced printing and scanning systems—have become the bridge between the physical office and the virtual world of the cloud, and are utilised by remote workers to increase efficiencies.
IT Managers therefore have the ongoing task of making sure that systems are updated, compatible, easily controlled and secured. Kyocera's ICT services provide the infrastructure support needed to enable seamless digital workplace transformation.
These digital workplaces require smarter and more intelligent office machines. Both management and employees no longer go for simply the cheapest option—but look for machines that fit their needs and deliver the best results. People are now focused on improving quality, speed and overall outcomes for their businesses.
Printers and scanners continue to be upgraded to make the most of the advancements in security, AI-powered recognition and voice activation systems. These technologies have already been integrated into smart printers and multifunction devices, with ongoing enhancements for better integration and adoption in various workplaces.
It's all about the consolidation of suppliers in 2026. Businesses continue to move away from having multiple suppliers for specific requirements, and build long-term relationships with key business partners that can deliver more comprehensive solutions.
For instance, managed print services continue to expand and evolve to deliver the best outcomes and achieve core objectives for businesses. Industry research shows that the MPS market reached USD 49.61 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to over USD 106 billion by 2033. By 2026, cloud-based MPS solutions are expected to account for 40% of the total market, as organisations increasingly adopt cloud platforms for secure and remote management of their printing needs.
MPS covers the entire print and document environment—managing systems and processes, increasing productivity and mobility, and enhancing security while minimising environmental impacts. Over 70% of enterprises now implement MPS solutions to streamline their printing operations and reduce manual interventions.
There you have it, the key technology trends and innovations for your business in 2026. If you'd like some help upgrading your document management systems, why not book a site audit? We'll help you discover ways to improve your processes in the coming year.
KYOCERA Document Solutions provides document management solutions that improve document cost control and security, while delivering greater productivity, reliability and uptime.