A Canadian startup, Acrylic Robotics, is using AI and robotics to create hyper-realistic copies of renowned artworks, specifically those of late Canadian Indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau. The goal is not to create forgeries, but to train an AI model to detect fake artworks by analyzing the subtle differences between genuine and replica pieces.
The AI-powered robotic arm is capable of replicating Morrisseau's paintings with remarkable texture and character, impressing art experts with its convincing copies. These replicas are then used to train the estate's AI detection model, dubbed "Norval AI," to spot minute differences that might indicate a forgery.
This innovative approach aims to tackle the issue of art forgery, which has been a persistent problem for Morrisseau's estate. Over 6,000 unauthorized copies of his work worth over $72 million have entered collections in recent decades. By using AI and robotics to create replicas and detect forgeries, Acrylic Robotics and the Morrisseau estate hope to protect the artist's legacy and prevent further exploitation.
The technology has the potential to revolutionize the way art forgeries are detected and prevented, making it harder for forgers to profit from fake artworks. By leveraging AI's analytical capabilities and robotics' precision, Acrylic Robotics is pioneering a new approach to art authentication and preservation.
