A pioneering startup named Robotor is poised to transform the art of sculpting by streamlining the process through the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence. Founded by Filippo Tincolini and Giacomo Massari, the company aims to enhance the speed, efficiency, and sustainability of sculptural production.
According to a recent report by TNW, this groundbreaking technology enables the realization of intricate structures that were once considered unimaginable. Despite being a relatively young company, having commenced operations in 2004 under the name Torart, Robotor has already collaborated with renowned artists like Barry X Ball and played a pivotal role in recreating a replica of the Arch of Palmyra after its destruction by ISIS in 2015.
“Our robots are born from sculptors for sculpture,” stated Massari to TNW. “They emerge from the expertise of individuals deeply familiar with traditional sculpture, in a region like Carrara, which is the birthplace of sculpture itself.”
The underlying concept driving their innovation is to delegate labor-intensive tasks to robots. Massari further explained, “The entire Robotor project stems from a well-defined philosophy that originates from 18 years of experience in stone processing.”
With their cutting-edge technology and deep-rooted knowledge in the field, Robotor is poised to revolutionize the art of sculpting, introducing a new era where AI-guided robotic arms serve as valuable tools for artists and redefine the boundaries of creative expression.
How does it work?
Robotor uses a mechanical arm to create the sculptures. This robotic device uses electro-spindles of various sizes and capacities and boasts an automatic tool change function to adapt to a variety of structures.
A uniquely efficient software
But the machine could not function without Robotor’s proprietary software, called OR-OS. This software can either be programmed by expert operators or work fully autonomously.
OR-OS boasts the unique ability of taking a 3D model and automatically generating an optimized workflow and tool paths without the need for any human intervention. It then communicates with the robotic chisel that proceeds to construct the final sculpture.
The software tackles every step of the creation of a new structure from sculpting, to polishing and even cleaning. It expertly highlights the best and most sustainable paths to developing any figure.
Now, its founders hope it will usher in a new era for sculptures.
“The history of art is a continuous history of innovations,” told TNW Massari. “Artists have always relied on technological knowledge and ingenuity to find the materials and tools they need to express their dreams, thoughts, visions, or beliefs. And innovation has always had an impact on the way art is made.”
