A Robotic Solution for the Restoration of Fresco Paintings

Marco Ceccarelli,Pilar Roig,Jose Luis Regidor,Michela Cigola,Francisco Blanco-Moreno,Giuseppe Carbone

doi:10.5772/61757

Abstract

In this paper, a service robot solution is presented for the analysis, surveying and restoration of fresco paintings. The proposed design approach integrates robot design and restoration operation. It aims to merge them into a feasible solution that can be both practical and feasible for restorers. The simulation results are reported to show a successful design solution, which has been conceived with the constraints of a low-cost user-oriented design and the consideration of cultural heritage.

Highlights

The problem of restoring damaged and missing areas in artistic works is of great importance in the field of restora‐ tion
This paper has presented the results of a collaboration between art restorers, survey architects and robotics engineers in order to design a structure and operation of a robotic system for the restoration activity in reintegrating the colour parts in a fresco on the walls of a cathedral
The problems of fresco restoration have been considered with regard to colour reintegration with inkjet printing and using a robotic system both for robotizing the process and facilitating the tasks on the surfaces, which can be incon‐ venient to human operators

Summary

Introduction

The problem of restoring damaged and missing areas in artistic works is of great importance in the field of restora‐ tion. These restoration problems have similarities in many areas of cultural heritage (architecture, painting and sculpture). The design results, along with the proposed robotic system and its simulation, have been implemented as an integrated activity among the authors, who come from different areas of engineering, architecture and the arts. Coming from different areas of expertise, they have different perspectives They have the common target of creating a proper robotic system that can help the restoration of frescos in architectural frames. First experiences with a preliminary prototype are present‐ ed to show an implementation plan of the proposed approach, with reference to a specific case of study

Goods of Cultural Heritage and Restoration

General Considerations of Service Robots

Problems for Fresco Reintegration

Characteristics for Implementing Inkjet Printing

Findings

Conclusions