MWCapital and IAAC are expanding the boundaries of craftsmanship by combining a robotic arm with the creative power of AI 

Mobile World Capital Barcelona, together with the Institut d’Arquitectura Avançada de Catalunya (IAAC) and Ceràmiques Cumella, with the support of Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda (CCAM) of the Departemnt Empresa i Treball, present this technological experience demonstrating how craftsmanship and technology work together to enhance creative and production processes. 

A robotic arm captures visitor’s brushstrokes and reproduces their movements, recreating the glazing of a ceramic piece. 

03/March/26

Mobile World Capital Barcelona is presenting at its stand at MWC26 a technological experience that recreates the glazing process of a ceramic piece using a robotic arm that precisely replicates the visitor’s movements. The experience is a collaboration with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and Ceràmiques Cumella, with the support of the Consorci de Comerç, Artesania i Moda (CCAM), attached to the Department of Empresa i Treball of the Government of Catalonia. 

Robotic systems are capable of analysing data in real time, learning patterns and encoding human gestures to the point of replicating them with absolute precision. The combination of artificial intelligence and robotics makes it possible to preserve the artisan’s gesture, maintaining the uniqueness of each piece while integrating material expertise to explore new aesthetics. 

The way robotics is integrated into the ceramic process builds on a line of work developed by IAAC over more than 25 years, focused on bringing together technology, sustainability and material knowledge. The Crafting the Future experience reflects this vision, in which innovation does not replace craftsmanship but rather amplifies it and projects it towards new production models. 

The proposal draws from the expertise of artisan Toni Cumella, who applies this technique to explore multiple creative approaches while reducing time and materials, adopting a more efficient and sustainable perspective. 

Technologies that amplifies craftsmanship without losing its essence 

At Ceràmiques Cumella, robotics is used as a means of exploring new designs and expanding the potential of ceramic craftsmanship. Through Generative Design and AI, multiple digital prototypes can be recreated prior to production, improving operational efficiency and optimising the artisans resources. 

Throughout history, the introduction of new tools has redefined the craft of ceramics: from the potter’s wheel to glazing techniques, each advancement has expanded the artisan’s possibilities. 

Under the motto “When robotics amplifies human making”, the experiential space operates as an active contemporary workshop where visitors can observe how digitalisation is transforming even the most traditional crafts, such as a century-old ceramics workshop.