Mattia Balsamini's Robotics Photography Subverts Sci-Fi Cliches

Photographer Mattia Balsamini captures robots—mechas and mechanical dogs—to subvert sci-fi clichés of robotics. Growing up in northeastern Italy in a family air-conditioning business, he gained early exposure to machinery. He photographs in laboratories, automated factories, and research institutions including NASA and MIT. Balsamini says robots occupy an unstable category, emphasizing ambiguity over reassuring or threatening depictions. His project 'Collected robotics photography' (copyright 2026) highlights human innovation behind machines. He believes technology is rarely morally simple. The feature also references his website and Instagram, with writing by junior writer Paul M.