Robotic AI manicures will be available in US airport spas in 2023

According to Professional Beauty UK Deputy Editor Kezia Parkins airports in the US are set to get a lot more exciting for nail enthusiasts thanks to a partnership between Global health and wellness holding company XWell and Clockwork that will see AI-driven robot manicures launch in select US XpresSpa airport spas.

A Clockwork “minicure” involves the use of AI and 3D imaging to scan each visitor's nails before an autonomous robot precisely paints them in just 10 minutes - with no need for human intervention.

Travellers and holiday goers will be able to start the process by selecting their nail polish shade, loading the cartridge into the machine and then using a touch screen for a self-guided tutorial.

As soon as the customer places their hands on a designated handrest and says, “ready,” the robot begins painting, one nail at a time.

Starting from the outside border of the nail, the robot paints in thin lines until it reaches the middle of the nail, resulting in a flawless-looking paint job. The machine works similarly to a 3D printer. 

“The partnership with Clockwork is a natural extension of our strategy to further leverage technology solutions to refresh our airport offerings,” said Scott Milford, XWell chief executive.

“We’re making self-care even more accessible by bringing high-quality, fast and affordable manicures to airport travellers.”

“Travelling can be stressful and often, people don’t have time to squeeze in a trip to the salon before a business trip or vacation,” said Clockwork founder and chief executive Renuka Apte.

“We love that we can transform the time wasted waiting for a flight into an efficient, 10-minute beauty service that helps people feel more put together and ready for their trip.”

Clockwork has raised $8.5 million from investors across the industries of technology, robotics and beauty.

The startup's seed round was led by Reddit founder and ex-chief executive Alexis Ohanian at Initialized Capital. Angel investors include Julie Bornstein (ex-COO Stitch Fix, ex-CMO Sephora), Noah Ready-Campbell (Founder and chief executive Built Robotics), Vivian Chu (Co-founder & CTO, Diligent Robotics), Max Mullen (Co-founder of Instacart) and Liz Whitman who founded and sold Manicube to Elizabeth Arden’s Red Door Salons.

Earlier this year Clockwork announced its launch into Targett stores across the US. The service is intended to be a “fast-casual” approach to nail care costing $10, with a $2 discount for first-time customers, and only includes the application of polish. Appointments can be made online.

In Q1 2023, XWell will launch up to five of Clockwork’s manicure robots across its 28 spa locations during an initial three-month period. The firm has plans to deploy as many as 25 units across the business.

What do you think about a robotic manicure machine? Are robots coming to steal our jobs? Or is this something you would love to try out on your next airport visit? Let us know in the comments…