Introduction to AI Manicure
Artificial intelligence has written novels, driven cars, and painted portraits – so perhaps it was only a matter of time before it started making nails. The world’s first "AI manicure machine" is called Umia. At first glance, it looks more like a dystopian espresso machine than a beauty device: a matte white box small enough to sit on a desk, with a neat slot for a single finger.
The Process
The machine only provides the painting element of a manicure – not the filing, shaping, or cuticle care that nail technicians perform. It’s a gel manicure, so it lasts about 10 to 14 days. You place your finger in and the machine’s camera scans your nail to understand its size, curvature, and position – this is called your ‘nail DNA.’ Then it applies three coats—primer, paint, and topcoat—and cures them gradually. When your hand comes out, it’s shiny and dry. The process takes exactly 100 seconds per nail, regardless of whether you choose a simple color or an elaborate design.
The Result
The finish is shiny and surprisingly durable – although not flawless. Some of the more intricate designs are a little blurry around the edges, and some of the nails are slightly missing the polish, leaving a fine mist on the skin. But overall, it’s neat, sturdy, and definitely better than expected from a machine with no hands or eyes. It’s not about replacing your local nail salon, as Umia does not take care of the preparatory steps and you must arrive on site with clean, prepared nails.
The Technology Behind the Paint
The machine doesn’t use the kind of large language models that power systems like ChatGPT or Gemini. Instead, it uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN)-based deep learning model built on more than 120,000 nail data points. This AI model allows Umia to detect the width, length, curvature, and contour of each nail and distinguish between nail, cuticle, and skin. Every nail is unique, and the AI ensures that the design fits your shape perfectly. The system also features an “adaptive optimization algorithm,” meaning it learns from every manicure performed. After each session, it collects feedback data—things like delivery accuracy and design alignment—and uses that information to improve future results.
The Verdict
It’s a fascinating piece of technology and undeniably fun to watch in action. There’s something strangely fascinating about watching a machine spray your nails almost silently and precisely. While the results aren’t perfect, they’re more than acceptable for a quick, low-effort manicure. For now, it remains more of a novelty than a replacement. A salon visit still offers the care, precision, and artistry that machines can’t quite master – not to mention the human connection. Umia’s success lies in its potential: a portable, chemical-safe, quick-drying manicure that fits perfectly into the rhythm of modern life – something you can do while killing time at the airport, the hair salon, or the coffee shop.
