Instagram users are concerned about eye safety following a viral video showing a robot arm applying lash extensions to a young woman.
The reel, originally from Luum Lash’s Instagram, was reshared by entertainment and news account Pubity this morning (January 26), has already amassed over five million views within the first four hours of being posted.
The Californian salon claims to be the “world’s first AI lash lab”, and, according to its website, combines robotics with computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) for a safe and innovative treatment, with a full set costing $170 (£133.54) and infills $80 (£62.84).
Despite huge growth in AI and robotics in recent years, commenters still weren’t convinced about the treatments’ safety, with one user, @nithin_seb, stating, “All fun and games till it takes your eye out”.
Others seemed to be reminded of horror film franchise Final Destination, with one user commenting, “Final Destination 5 feels 😂”, and another asking, “have we not learned anything from Final Destination?”
Lash tech Sabrina warned viewers about booking in for the treatment, commenting, “As a lash artist myself I don’t recommend this lol”.
For those worried about the safety aspect of a robotic lash service, Luum assures visitors to its website that the technology has a can’t-fail safety system, explaining that the application wands attach to the rest of the technology with light magnets, so that they immediately disengage and fall away in the extremely unlikely event they (even gently) contact anything other than lashes.
While lash techs may be apprehensive about the technology, Luum’s appointments are all guided by a lash artist, who are on hand for style consultations, lash prep and touch-ups if necessary, as well as removal pre-appointment when needed.
Lash treatments aren’t the only beauty services getting a robotic upgrade, as in 2023 AI robot manicure services were rolled out across US airports by Clockwork.
The robot manicure, or “manicure” takes just 10 minutes and costs clients $10 (£7.85).
Currently, the system is only able to offer nail lacquer onto clean nails, but the company’s website expresses its hopes to add a gel alternative in the future.
