In the article, “New Beauty Technology: Disrupting the Multibillion Nail Industry”, author Laura Pitcher writes about new technology in the nail industry. She goes through a timeline of videos toying with the concept of using robots to paint nails; showcasing many influencers testing out said robots. She narrows in on one particular robot created in 2017 by the popular beauty tech brand Clockwork. This robot is designed to work alongside humans, painting bases and top coats, leaving the designs to the professionals. Clockwork, Nimble, and Coral are three of the biggest beauty tech brands currently investing in new nail technology, they all predict a rise in at home manicures. In 2019, there was a recorded average of 54,000 nail salons in the US. That number has now been steadily declining, especially following the pandemic. Many people had to learn to do their nails at home in accordance with social distancing rules. Nail polish brand Orly reported an unprecedented boost of sales in their at-home gel removal kit.

I found this article to be especially interesting as it introduced me to concepts I hadn’t thought about. I especially found the Clockwork robot to be fascinating as it’s purpose was not to replace nail artists, but instead to aid them. I had assumed that all nail-painting robots would be created with the intention of replacing in person nail appointments. Using technology to speed up the process is so smart, I didn’t even think about that. It makes much more sense too as it would be extremely difficult to mass produce a robot or AI that could create art with individual styles in the ways that humans can. I don’t doubt that a robot could create are, I’ve seen it done, I know it’s possible. But to mass produce robots that could do that? In such a quantity that it could knock out the nail art industry for people? I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Maybe in a small scale, but not in the ways I initially thought. I thought it was somewhat probable with the speeds at which technology is advancing, but this article helped me realize that it’s not likely. https://www.cfs.fashion/article/new-beauty-technology-disrupting-the-multibillion-nail-industry

Will robots ever be able to stick tiny diamonds on tiny canvases with as much precision as humans can Can technology account and make-up for human error? Will AI become so complex that it can think and create on its on? Will AI be able to develop an individual art style and create a reputation for itself like humans do? Would people get their nails done by a robot just so they can say “Hey I got my nails done by a robot”? Should nail artists be concerned that their field might be dominated by technology in the future? Do I trust robots with sharp tools near my nails? What are the potential dangers of equipping a robot with nail tools. Would people rather get their nails done by a robot to avoid human interaction and physical touch? (I would).