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Brett Bower Launches AI Caricature Bots

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Alan Gardner Published: July 22, 2026 1 minute 0 comments

Aussie caricature artist Brett Bower announced he’s launching AI ‘caricature bots’ in Sydney Australia, and San Diego, CA. These mechanical arms use AI to draw a caricature in front of individuals on cruise ships, attending corporate events, or special events.

This technology isn’t new. Bot staff take a photo of an audience member which is loaded into the bot. The technical arms then draw an image based on AI. There are at least two other competitors in this space based on a cursory search by TDC. The two we found are AI SketchBot and Caricature Bot. By comparing the promo photos from both AI SketchBot and Brett’s machines it appears the hardware maybe the same. Brett did not answer TDC’s question about whether his operations were affiliated to AI Sketchbot.

Brett, who has been drawing caricatures for over 40 years, says that the bots do not replace live-action caricature artists. Live artists are great for a “live environment, such as theme parks, markets and festivals,” he says. These bots are best for corporate and private events. He says it’s often difficult to find artists to work corporate events that are paid a flat rate instead of more lucrative live events. He says, “the bots don’t come with the staffing and management issues,” and “they’re an AI novelty that happens to draw a pretty good caricature. It’s a different experience from sitting with a live artist, and I think there’s room for both.”

When asked if he viewed these as a precursor to replacing live artists, he says no. “I understand why AI makes people nervous. It’s changing a lot of industries. But I honestly don’t think these bots are going to replace professional caricature artists.” He explains that live artists are great at adding personality and humor to the drawing. “The bots are just a different kind of entertainment,” he says. “They’re an AI experience that creates a good caricature, and I think they’ll appeal to a different audience. I believe there’s room for both.”

He says audiences see the bots as “something new, fun and entertaining, and they enjoy watching them draw.”

Whether it’s a bot or other type of kiosk, MAD Magazine cartoonist and long-time operator of caricature operations in multiple states, Tom Richmond says, “There have been ‘portrait drawing’ kiosks like photobooths for years in tourist centers and shopping malls. This is the same thing with more gears and hydraulics. Real artists still produce superior work and provide a superior experience.” He adds acerbically, “get back to me when robots can joke with the models and the crowd, make on-the-spot observations and comments, and more importantly create a drawing that doesn’t look like it was done by a six year old with an Etch-a-sketch.”

Brett is bullish on the bots for the corporate events. “A.I. is here like it or not, no point sticking your head in the sand.” As for live-driving engagements, “good artists who are willing to work will always find work,” Brett says confidently.