Back around 2001, when Stuck at the Airport was launched, airport manicure stations were an unusual sight.
“Ridiculous,” one reader commented. “Who would do that?” said another.
Now, airport spas with technicians on duty for drop-in manicures and pedicures are quite common.
What’s Next?
Looks like robot manicures are what’s next.
XWELL, which operates airport XpresSpa locations, has teamed up with the Clockwork company to bring an AI-powered manicure ‘robot’ to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4, near Gate B22.
The Clockwork MiNiCURE robot promises to paint nails in under 10 minutes without human intervention.
Here’s how it works:
You need to file and shape your nails yourself and remove existing polish (nail polish remover is provided). Once seated at the robot manicure machine a touchscreen will guide you through the experience,w ith a live support feature available.
The price? $20.
XpressSpa hopes to add at least five of Clockwork’s AI-powered robots across the company’s portfolio of 31 spa locations this year with the goal of deploying as many as 25 units.
Will you use this?
(Clockwork photos courtesy Karston Tannis / Monmouth Media House).