Just this week Geoffrey hinton, “the Godfather of A.I” quit google warning us on the dangers of technology’s rapid progress and warning they pose nothing less than a threat to mankind. BOF explores the concern on its effect for the fashion industry but today we discuss this topic with Eduardo Fuentevilla, Founder of Maedcore, a technology company that leverages robotics-based solutions to enter the world of art.

Our innovative technology takes art to previously inaccessible places, opening up new possibilities for creative expression. Through the implementation of disruptive technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, holographic displays, and interactive screens, Maedcore generates exceptional art pieces that challenge the normative frameworks.

I had the opportunity to reside in the UK and Sweden for a total of 6 years, where I acquired extensive knowledge in technology applied to large-scale industries, like nuclear, automotive or aerospace. After several years in depth contact with cutting edge technologies, and recognizing the need for the art world to embrace a new technological era, I began engaging with artists possessing innovative ideas and sought to bring their visions to life. This ultimately led to the creation of Maedcore at 2020.

Comprised of mechanical, aeronautical, and robotics engineers, the transition towards the art world was a challenging endeavor for Maedcore. However, we remain committed to adapting to the creative vision of artists and finding ways to bring their ideas to life.

Tell us about the Maedcore technology developed for artists.

The technology developed by Maedcore serves as a support system for artists by enabling them to transform their creative concepts into tangible art forms.

The artistic community often possess unique ideas and forms of expression that may not align with their technical expertise, which is where our team of engineers comes in. By leveraging innovative technologies, we collaborate with artists to bring their creative visions to life. This partnership enables them to expand beyond traditional artistic mediums and explore new possibilities for their art. With a plethora of materials and technologies available, integrating them into artwork can elevate artists to the next level, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the art world. Our goal is to contribute to the evolution of the art world towards a more technologically advanced future, one where artists can leverage new mediums to create novel forms of expression.

What are some of the collaborations you have worked on and with which artists?

We are collaborating with artists such as Mario Klingemann, Emma Fernández and Filip Custic.  Utilizing artificial intelligence, virtual reality, holographic displays, and screens, we have the ability to generate one-of-a-kind artistic creations that defy conventional methods and stimulate the imaginations of viewers. Innovative technology allows us to push the boundaries of what was previously considered unattainable in the realm of art.

Here are some of the projects we recently completed or products that we have developed:

• Pixel by Filip Custic - We meticulously designed and engineered the connectivity between the screens and sensors, carefully selecting the most suitable displays available on the market. The screens have been programmed to operate autonomously and randomly display videos, while offering users the ability to interact with the artwork via motion sensors that activate video changes or through touch-based systems. 

• Maedcore is pleased to offer a selection of NFT display devices that include a range of screen sizes to suit various requirements. As part of our commitment to providing exceptional customer service, we are also able to offer custom sizing and material options for those seeking a bespoke solution. Our range includes transparent screens that are encapsulated in high-quality, transparent materials such as acrylic and glass, providing a unique and visually appealing way to showcase NFT artwork.

• Projector helmet – Maedcore’s team designed and manufactured an electronic device (projector) that has been encapsulated in a durable housing. We also created the software required to read and play any video content that is introduced via a USB connection. Both the hardware and software components of this device were custom-built by our team. Furthermore, we designed a transparent cover made of methacrylate to protect the internal electronics while also allowing for easy visibility and access to the device's operational components. In addition, we oversaw the manufacturing process to ensure that the highest level of quality and precision was maintained throughout.

• In this transparent bag, you can see an example of the transparent screens previously mentioned, which have been expertly crafted and programmed by our team to display any video content in a continuous loop format. These screens are designed to read and play content directly from any USB-connected device, making them both versatile and user-friendly. The transparent screens serve as a visually stunning and dynamic canvas for displaying digital art and other creative content, and their high-quality construction ensures they are built to last.

• I am excited to announce the imminent launch of an innovative art piece that has been carefully designed and manufactured according to the renowned artist Mario Klingemann’s idea. This groundbreaking piece features cutting-edge robotic technology that is poised to revolutionize the traditional concept of art. Our team has worked diligently to bring this concept to life, and we are eager to share it with the world. Stay tuned for further updates and announcements regarding this exciting project.

What are some of the goals for the technology and the innovative approach moving forward 

The goals for Maedcore's technology and innovative approach moving forward are to facilitate the evolution of art through the integration of all available new technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. 

AI has the potential to revolutionize the art world by enabling new forms of interactive and responsive artwork. With the application of AI, art can take on a life of its own and evolve in unimaginable ways, opening up new possibilities for artists to create immersive and engaging works of art that push the boundaries of what is possible. By using AI algorithms, artists can generate unique images, animations, and real-time visualizations, allowing them to explore new avenues of creative expression. 

Additionally, robotics can offer a new way to create and interact with art, allowing artists to create dynamic, interactive installations and sculptures that can move and react to the environment and the audience. By incorporating robotics into art, kinetic sculptures can be created that move and change over time, generating new and exciting possibilities for artists to explore. Robotic arms can also be programmed to create intricate designs and patterns, enabling artists to achieve levels of precision and complexity that would be impossible by hand.

The ultimate goal is to push the boundaries of what is possible in the art world, by integrating technology and innovation to create new forms of art that have never been seen before. By doing so, Maedcore hopes to contribute to the evolution of art, inspiring future generations of artists to continue exploring new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of creativity.

• How do you collaborate with artists, in terms of creative process?

Some artists come to us with a clear idea of what they want in terms of appearance and functionality. They share their ideas with us and we work together to shape and design them, providing different alternatives to incorporate technology and bring their vision to life. Once we've finalized the design according to the artist view, we procure the necessary components, assemble and manufacture the piece of art with utmost care and attention to detail.

There are other artists that may not have a clear idea of what they want, they just seek to incorporate technology into their work as a means to break free from monotony and captivate the world with novel and innovative creations. In this case meet with them to understand their artistic style and creative direction. We suggest innovative solutions and techniques that can enhance their work and push the boundaries of what is possible. Together, we refine the concept until it meets the artist's vision and we proceed to bring it to life.

•  What is one of the most interesting responses you've heard in regards to your technologies. 

One of the most intriguing responses we've heard in regards to our technologies was from an individual who initially expressed fear and concern about the integration of robotics and artificial intelligence into the art world. They worried that it might lead to the replacement of human artists or the loss of human creativity and expression.

However, after learning more about our approach and the potential benefits, their perspective began to shift. They realized that these technologies can actually enhance and amplify human creativity, rather than replace it. By leveraging the power of robotics and AI, artists can push the boundaries of what is possible, explore new forms of expression, and create truly immersive and interactive experiences for audiences.

We believe that the integration of robotics and AI into the art world can lead to a more exciting, dynamic, and innovative creative landscape, where human and machine work together to achieve new heights of artistic expression.

How do you see the art world evolving? 

As technology continues to evolve at an ever-increasing pace, we can expect to see the art world follow suit. We believe that the art world will become increasingly intertwined with technology, as artists begin to incorporate new and innovative techniques into their work. We see a future where art and technology merge seamlessly, resulting in new and exciting forms of creative expression.

Those who do not embrace technology in their artistic endeavors risk being left behind in this rapidly changing landscape. As we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible with technology, we are excited to see how artists will utilize these new tools to create groundbreaking works of art that challenge our perceptions and push us to think differently.

Furthermore, the integration of technology into the art world has the potential to make art more accessible and interactive for a wider audience. We envision a future where viewers can engage with art in new and meaningful ways, through virtual reality experiences or interactive installations, for example.

• Anything else you would like to share with us?

I want to thank Leila for giving us the opportunity to share our vision and passion for technology in the art world. We are excited to be collaborating with some of the most talented and well-known artists in the industry, and are thrilled to see the creative possibilities that arise from these partnerships.

We understand that some people may be afraid of the integration of technology into the art world, but we believe that it is necessary for the evolution of the industry. Artwork that does not incorporate technology risks being left behind in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to support artists in using technology to enhance and elevate their creativity, and to provide a platform for new and innovative forms of expression.