One of the more lamentably defining features of the tech industry is its lack of women. While there are a variety of reasons for why that’s the case, it doesn’t mean something can’t be done. With the Nailbot, inventor Pree Walia is merging technology with art and beauty to create a product that serves as an introduction to the world of tech for girls and women of all ages.
The Nailbot is a smartphone-equipped nail art printer that prints a wide variety of designs directly onto a nail in less than five seconds. It works quite simply: First, users prep their nails by painting it with a base color. Second, users choose an image from their camera roll, one of 3,000 preloaded icons and emojis in its companion app or one of their own designs. Finally, the Nailbot prints the selected image or design right onto the nail. The Nailbot encourages a person’s own artistic impulse with its ability to print custom-made designs as well as fermenting an interest in coding with the ability to code art that can be printed later. With all this functionality, girls will no doubt be intrigued with everything the Nailbot can do for them. Each Nailbot is $199 and is expected to ship in December 2016. Inventor Pree Walia is looking for $75,000 by November 14th, 2016 for a successful campaign.
Compared to the lackluster and poorly-thought-out Dazln illuminating nails, the Nailbot is a great example of truly exploring how to create a product that intelligently considers women as more than just a way to make a few bucks. Let it be a lesson: simply slapping on some connectivity to a product aimed at women is not enough. Pree Walia injects care, concern and enthusiasm into the Nailbot and the final product is the result of that.