AI robot going to work sticking False eyelashes: one hour, 90 dollars

On June 12, it was reported that with the development of artificial intelligence technology, beauty salons began to use computer vision robots to stick False eyelashes and make nails for customers, which is faster, safer and cheaper than human technicians.The following is the translation content:In the past eight years, Ashley Davis has spent $150 every two weeks to get False eyelashes

On June 12, it was reported that with the development of artificial intelligence technology, beauty salons began to use computer vision robots to stick False eyelashes and make nails for customers, which is faster, safer and cheaper than human technicians.

The following is the translation content:

In the past eight years, Ashley Davis has spent $150 every two weeks to get False eyelashes. But a few weeks ago, Davis was no longer receiving False eyelashes from a human technician, but from a robot named "Kate", which only cost her 90 dollars this time.

LUUM, a beauty studio headquartered in Oakland, California, was established in 2021. The main technique for attaching eyelashes is to train robots through artificial intelligence technology called computer vision to serve customers. The robot uses a pair of tweezers to separate the user's real eyelashes one by one, and then another pair of tweezers picks up the False eyelashes, dips them with adhesive, and connects them to the real eyelashes.

"Living in the San Francisco Bay Area and working in the technology industry, you will get used to seeing a lot of robots," said Davis, who works and lives in the San Francisco area. There are robots delivering food to you. There are robot cars running around and shooting videos around. So this is another thing I want to try

The company behind artificial intelligence robots says this technology makes eyelash extensions cheaper. But the popular TikTok videos of related content also raise questions about the safety and effectiveness of robots completing such tasks, and whether it will cause human unemployment.

Levi Shephard, founder and chairman of the National Association of Eyelash Artists (NALA), said that online forums and Bulletin board are full of concerns that robots may lead to unemployment.

In recent months, with the rise of Natural language processing technologies such as ChatGPT, artificial intelligence technology has rapidly become a hot topic. However, the history of computer vision technology is actually even longer. Kris Hauser, professor of computer science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, specializes in dynamic world robots. He said that computer vision technology has long been applied in the fields of vacuum cleaners and surgical procedures, but this is one of the first artificial intelligence robots used in the field of consumer beauty.

LUUM company stated that their robotic eyelash lengthening surgery is safer, cheaper, and faster than traditional manual methods, which typically take one hour to 90 minutes for traditional manual eyelash lengthening. Nathan Harding, CEO and co founder of LUUM, emphasized that robots will not completely replace eyelash technicians.

Harding said, "We hope this can become a labor-saving device for large startups, so that they can have three times the number of customers they have in a day

LUUM has three robots in total, and technicians are also busy at the work site. They are responsible for cleaning customers' eyelashes and applying tape to their eyelids. After the robot completes most of the work, the technician manually modifies individual eyelashes.

NALA's Shepard said she told the eyelash technicians that they don't need to be afraid (replaced) because humans can adjust their technology and tools at any time while working for clients.

Shepard said, "Now it seems that the tasks completed by these machines are more basic and simple

Shepard pointed out that many people changed jobs during the pandemic. In the past three years, the number of NALA members managing the safety standards and certification of eyelash technicians has increased by 25%.

Harding added that after several videos of the robot catching eyelashes went viral online, LUUM is now accepting bookings and selling the robot to other studios for $60000.

UltaBeautyUlta is one of the investors in LUUM Corporation. Last year, Chief Digital Officer Prama Bhatt stated, "Our team is very interested in exploring more technologies that can enhance consumer beauty experiences. We believe that by investing in LUUM, we are driving another industry advancement

Davis said there must be a demand. She revealed that she waited for six months to make an appointment to board the robot.

Davis said in the TikTok video that he was "super nervous" before treatment, but now these concerns have been dispelled. After receiving a 50 minute robot service, she said, "This robot is super gentle and operates like a feather." At present, LUUM Studio provides three kinds of natural False eyelashes, all of which cost $90.

Computer science professor Hauser said that this robot has two sets of cameras, which are very precise when attaching eyelashes. One camera is aimed at the customer's face, and the other is aimed at the position where the robot picks up False eyelashes.

Hauser said, "Robots can make certain things better." He said that human technicians may not be as precise as robots, and customers' eyes may get stuck in glue. "Precision and repeatability are things that robots are really good at

Hauser added that similar technologies have also been used for hair transplantation.

The Chairman of the Eyelash Association, Shepard, said that robots have played a good complementary role in this industry. For those who do not receive eyelashes due to time and labor costs, robot services may be an option. Robots can target different types of customers, which may help us expand our industry, "Shepard said. There is room for development in both areas

Human technicians often need to bend down to work for clients. You can't see many older technicians because this job is not easy to do, "said LuUM CEO Harding." Robots eliminate the heavy workload

Recently, Davis used his one hour lunch break to catch his eyelashes. I'm very busy, it's really convenient. I think it's more effective, I know I can come and go anytime

These devices will only become increasingly popular. Davis also made an appointment to go to a hair salon in San Francisco for nail enhancement, where robots can complete work in 10 minutes. (Chen Chen)