Current:Home > ScamsRobot manicures and eyelash extensions: How A.I. is attracting new beauty industry customers-InfoLens
Robot manicures and eyelash extensions: How A.I. is attracting new beauty industry customers
View Date:2024-12-23 12:06:40
The global market for artificial intelligence in beauty and cosmetics is already a multi-billion-dollar business, and industry researchers predict it will experience rapid growth of 20 to 30% in the next five years.
But as companies introduce A.I. robots to provide services like eyelash treatments and manicures, questions are arising about potential job losses in the beauty industry.
In San Francisco, a startup called Clockwork has set out to revolutionize the beauty service experience with its A.I.-powered robots. Co-founder and CEO Renuka Apte said that the idea emerged from her own frustration with salon appointments.
"So we really want this to be like grabbing a cup of coffee, right? And that could be anywhere from, like, apartment complexes, to corporate offices, retail stores," Apte said.
Another company making strides in the A.I. beauty market is Nimble Beauty. Its home devices, capable of providing a four-coat manicure in about an hour, have already sold over 5,000 units on Kickstarter. The company emphasizes that its machines improve over time as they utilize A.I. to learn and adapt.
Nimble Beauty's CEO Omri Moran said A.I. is essential for the robots to understand and accurately perform tasks such as nail painting. Without A.I., the robots would only be capable of repeating predefined actions, limiting their usefulness.
"It would be able to identify the specific nails that it has saved in the system versus understanding what a nail is and then figuring out, 'Oh, I'm seeing a nail. This is the shape of this nail. This is the cuticle. That is where the A.I. comes into play,'" she said.
The most remarkable example of A.I. implementation in beauty services can be seen in LUUM's robotic arms that gently handle eyelash extensions.
Nate Harding, LUUM's co-founder, said their robots augment human capabilities rather than replace them, as these delicate tasks take years of development to perfect. Safety is a paramount concern, with the robot arms being designed to be lightweight and attached with magnets.
While these A.I. beauty solutions offer convenience and precision, concerns about job displacement among lash artists and nail technicians have arisen. The National Association of Lash Artists acknowledges the fear expressed by some professionals, but believes that the robots can attract a new clientele for lash extensions.
Apte said that these machines are intended for express services and are not a substitute for the full, elaborate experience offered by skilled human professionals.
"I don't think we're gonna put nail salon techs out of work. And the reason is that this isn't — that's like saying, like a vending machine would put a chef out of work, right? It's like saying that. What we're going for is express services, get in, get out, you know," she said. "It's nowhere close to that full, elaborate experience that a nail tech is gonna be able to offer. There's just a whole gamut of things that humans can do, and this is not that."
Apte's company continues to expand its presence, with two to three more machines installed in new locations every month. Meanwhile, LUUM recently installed a machine at an ULTA Beauty in San Jose, California. Nimble Beauty, the manufacturer of the at-home nail machine, stated that it anticipates the machine to be available for purchase early next year.
CBS News reached out to several organizations representing nail artists to inquire about their concerns regarding robots potentially displacing nail technicians, but did not receive any responses.
- In:
- Technology
- AI
Anna Werner is the consumer investigative national correspondent for "CBS Mornings." Her reporting is featured across all CBS News broadcasts and platforms. Reach her at [email protected].
TwitterveryGood! (55)
Related
- Massachusetts lawmakers to consider a soccer stadium for the New England Revolution
- When do kids learn to read? Here's when you should be concerned.
- Jury seated for Indiana trial of suspect in 2017 killings of 2 teen girls
- What's terrifying enough to freak out a horror writer? 10 authors pick the scariest books
- Multi-State Offshore Wind Pact Weakened After Connecticut Sits Out First Selection
- Popeyes customer stabbed by employee amid attack 'over a food order': Police
- Los Angeles Archdiocese agrees to pay $880 million to settle sexual abuse claims
- Eva Mendes has a message about food dyes in cereal. People are mad, but is she right?
- US Congress hopes to 'pull back the curtain' on UFOs in latest hearing: How to watch
- 'They didn't make it': How Ukraine war refugees fell victim to Hurricane Helene
Ranking
- The Daily Money: Markets react to Election 2024
- 'In da clurb, we all fam' social media trend: What is it and where did it come from?
- How 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' mirrors real-life wedding, baby for its stars
- Score Big With Extra 50% Off Madewell Sale Dresses: Grab $25 Styles While They Last!
- Democrat Cleo Fields wins re-drawn Louisiana congressional district, flipping red seat blue
- When do new episodes of 'The Lincoln Lawyer' come out? Season 3 release date, cast, how to watch
- Reliving hell: Survivors of 5 family members killed in Alabama home to attend execution
- Coca-Cola recalls canned drink mislabeled as zero-sugar: Over 13,000 12-packs recalled
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul referee handled one of YouTuber's biggest fights
-
Video shows rescuer lowered into 14-foot hole in Florida to rescue trapped dog
-
Navajo leader calls for tribal vice president’s resignation amid political upheaval
-
How 'Golden Bachelorette' became a 'Golden Bachelor' coronation in Episode 5
-
Subway rider who helped restrain man in NYC chokehold death says he wanted ex-Marine to ‘let go’
-
‘Anora’ might be the movie of the year. Sean Baker hopes it changes some things
-
Protesters demand Kellogg remove artificial colors from Froot Loops and other cereals
-
Why Bradley Cooper Won't Be Supporting Girlfriend Gigi Hadid at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show