Part 1/7:

# The Rise of Robots in Sculpture: A New Era in Marble Artistry

The allure of sculpture has long captivated artists and admirers alike, tracing back to the efforts of masters such as Michelangelo. In 1497, a young Michelangelo trekked into the quarries of Carrara, Italy, in search of the perfect block of marble, his destined material that would birth enduring masterpieces. Now, centuries later, the tradition of carving Carrara marble is undergoing a radical transformation, thanks to the introduction of robotic sculptors like Robo, who promises both high precision and efficiency.

## The Legacy of Carrara Marble

Part 2/7:

Carrara, nestled within the jagged peaks of the Apuan Alps in Northern Tuscany, is home to an extraordinary wealth of marble that has drawn artists for centuries. The region boasts more than 600 quarries, rich with the stone that once shaped the iconic Statue of David. As we explore these quarries with Jo Masari, co-founder of Robur, we witness the beauty and challenges presented by the raw material, a 200,000-pound block representing the pinnacle of marble's potential for art.

## Meet Robo: The Robotic Artisan

Part 3/7:

Robo, the latest entrant in this storied lineage of artists, is part of a fleet of specially designed robots that are revolutionizing the way sculpture is produced. Unlike the traditional hammer and chisel utilized by artisans like Michelangelo, Robo employs a sophisticated setup involving a 13-foot arm and a diamond-crusted tool, cutting through marble with astonishing precision in a fraction of the time. According to Masari, while a human artist might take months to complete the same work, Robo can accomplish it in a few weeks.

## The Symbiosis of Man and Machine

Part 4/7:

Masari notes that while Robo handles around 99% of the sculpting process, the final touches still require a human's artistic sensibility. This raises questions within the artistic community about the nature of artistry itself. Critics argue that the involvement of robots diminishes the authenticity and emotional connection associated with traditional sculpture-making. Tuscan artist Michael Monon encapsulates this sentiment, suggesting that the quality of work is dependent not merely on the process but on the human touch that instills passion into the piece.

## Resistance from Traditionalists

Part 5/7:

Resistance to robotic sculpting is palpable among traditional artists. Monon expresses skepticism about the authenticity of robot-assisted art, arguing that it robs individuals of the satisfaction derived from hands-on creative work. The Sculptors' Guild of Carrara has also raised concerns over the potential threat to Italy’s artistic heritage and the erosion of traditional skills. Even contemporary artists who integrate robotic methods, like Barry Xball, face backlash, with critics mistaking the innovative technology for a threat to conventional artistry.

## The Imperative of Adaptation

Part 6/7:

However, some artists embrace the technology, arguing that it can free them from laborious tasks and enhance creativity. Vermont-based sculptor Richard Erman reflects on his own transition — after numerous back surgeries and decades of sculpting, he has welcomed the assistance of robots in his studio. Erman insists that robots serve as valuable collaborators, reducing the manual load while still requiring a human touch for final refinements.

## The Future of Sculpture

Part 7/7:

As the art world continues to grapple with the implications of mechanization, one fact remains clear: marble will endure as a material that survives through generations. With artists on both sides of the divide, the question of whether robots will revitalize the industry or dilute the craft remains open-ended. As the sounds of chisels resonate in the quarries of Carrara, the artistic conversations around robotics in sculpture will certainly evolve, shaping the future of an age-old craft in unexpected ways.