(Source : CBS) In the quarries of Carrara, Italy, where Michelangelo once sought the perfect block of marble, a new kind of sculptor is emerging: robots. Using cutting-edge technology, robots are now carving marble with precision and speed that far outpaces traditional methods. But while some artists embrace this innovation, others resist, claiming it undermines the soul of sculpture.
Giacomo Massari, CEO of Robotor, a company making robotic sculptors, says machines can do 99% of the work, allowing artists to create in record time without the physical toll of hand-carving. However, the rise of robots has stirred controversy. Artists like Tuscan sculptor Michael Monfroni argue that using robots is “sacrilege,” believing that true artistry comes from the human touch, not a computer program.
Meanwhile, artists like Richard Erdman, who has embraced robotic assistance, argue that robots help revive the art of marble sculpting, making it more accessible and precise without replacing human creativity. As technology continues to reshape the art world, the debate over the role of robots in sculpture is just beginning.
