LEO was built in 2017, during a time when AI Art was in a moment of rapid evolution. This Arduino-based robot runs software that is capable of interpreting a user-input image under some margins. It adjusts contrast and converts the image to text instructions (G-code) for the plotter to then draw it on a piece of paper. While nowhere near as complicated as modern image-generating technologies, the main question posed by LEO remains unresolved.

Art made by machines is a controversial yet deeply fascinating topic, which sparks debate on many levels, including those on copyright. AI can be a wonderful tool for artists to use, but it comes with lingering problems, some of which sound abstract and almost whimsical. They act like a major foreshadowing of what kind of future is awaiting us, one that may redefine our belief systems forever.

Usage of AI in creating images has been a point of concern for quite some time; it started as a mere curiosity, but now it has transpired to public discourse. It is not a new case, however, since art has been created with the use of AI since the very beginning of this technology, in the 1950s.

Faster computing speed brought immense development to this branch of software, leading to the creation of programs capable of mix-matching images from huge databases. Initially the attempts were rather grotesque, causing people to laugh at the inadequacy of the renders. It was more than enough to plant a seed of doubt about the nature of artificial beings in general.

Project LEO