A video showing a traveller stopping to get a manicure at an airport has caused shock – and it’s for one major reason. The passenger had been at LA Airport in the US when she stopped to get her nails done.
But instead of meeting a nail technician, she was presented with a robot – a contraption that would carry out the work in place of an actual human.
While majorly unheard of in the UK, robot manicures have been rolled out at several major airports in the USA, with just one receptionist needed to provide the service.
Many consider getting a manicure to be a service that should only be provided by a human being, but this one costs just $10 and it’s done entirely by a robot.
A TikTok video showing the manicure being done has gone viral, calling the experience “10/10”.
Shanelle.layla posted the video on TikTok three days ago with the caption “10/10 experience I think I need it in my house”
Some TikTok users noticed the problem immediately. Mary ❤️?????? COACH + HEALER said: “And the nail techs won’t have food on the table.”
x Nay x pointed out that the machine did not provide exactly the same service as a person and replied: “Lucky this machine can’t do nail prep, cuticles, shaping etc. I did think like you 1st ??????”
The company responsible for the manicure service is called XpresSpa, and their Clockwork MiNiCURE robotic manicures are advertised as quick and easy.
A receptionist is there to help show you to your robot, and from there, a touchscreen will guide you through your entire appointment.
While the service can take 30 minutes if you’re getting used to it, regulars are said to be in and out in as little as 10.
On the XpressSpa website, they say: “Self-care isn’t a luxury or indulgence. It’s a travel essential. Whether you have 5, 10, 30 minutes or 3 hours, the restorative moments you spend with us will leave you feeling relaxed, renewed and ready to continue your journey.”
Earlier this year YouGov revealed that three-quarters of the UK population believe artificial intelligence in the workplace will result in fewer jobs, but 66 per cent of current employees believe it will not replace them personally.
A total of 69 per cent said it was ok to utilise AI in the workplace as long as a human employee was not replaced, while only 11 per cent felt it was never appropriate.