Russia Builds a Robot Muralist That Works Around the Clock
A student-designed robot from Irkutsk promises to revolutionize large-scale mural production with round-the-clock, high-altitude art automation.
An Urban Art Assistant for the Future
The robot muralist is the brainchild of Evgeny Boyarkin, a student at Irkutsk National Research Technical University (IRNITU), who is blending his studies in automation engineering with a passion for visual art. As both a muralist and linocut enthusiast, Boyarkin understands the challenges of working at height or across vast surfaces. His invention—a robot that climbs and paints walls—is designed to augment rather than replace human creativity.
The machine autonomously navigates vertical structures using a vacuum mounting system and a specialized spray mechanism. It can be operated through software similar to that used with plotting printers.
Prototype in Action
Boyarkin has already built working prototypes of the robot and its mobile base using Arduino microcontrollers. The system can function day and night and is aimed at urban beautification and street art festivals.
While drone-based muralists like the 'Evolyutsiya 3.1' already exist, Boyarkin's version offers key advantages. Because it physically adheres to the wall, it delivers more precise results and avoids airspace restrictions—no permits needed. Its cost is also lower, and it doesn’t require cameras or sensors to operate in darkness. Moreover, the surface doesn’t need to be flattened beforehand.
The project team includes software developer Maria Potylitsina, energy systems graduate Yulia Panina, assistant professor Roman Kononenko, and PhD candidate Maxim Popov. They are also preparing to compete in the Moscow-based 'Robot Battle' tournament. After testing, the robot is expected to enter real-world use, and potentially enter small-scale production.
Robotic Art Goes Mainstream
This isn’t Russia’s first foray into artistic automation. Two years ago, engineers Nikolay Gavrilin and Anna Mishchenko launched 'Robokhud,' a robot that paints uploaded images on canvas using AI-generated brushwork. Users only need to load an image and paint; the robot does the rest.
At Bauman Moscow State Technical University, another team developed a robot capable of creating original artwork with brushes, markers, lasers, or blades. Its standout feature is surface flexibility—working across a wide range of materials and textures.
Boyarkin’s innovation builds on these ideas but with a sharp focus on supporting professional muralists. Unlike other robots that automate the entire creative process, this machine acts as a tool. It carries out the artist’s vision while giving them the ability to intervene, refine, and control every aspect of the work.
From Art School to Start-Up
The robot muralist offers a promising business model—bridging automation, software engineering, and creative expression. Boyarkin’s invention addresses the labor-intensive and hazardous aspects of large-scale mural production, potentially unlocking new levels of speed and safety.
Cities with vibrant street art cultures—both in Russia and abroad—could become early adopters. Compared to drones, this solution is more cost-effective and logistically simpler.
The potential market is significant: in the Irkutsk region alone, over 11,000 buildings could be canvases for transformation. Plans are underway for licensing and franchise models that would enable local operators to deploy the technology commercially.
