Nigerian biomechanical engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi, a Harvard University graduate, has developed a robot that promises to cut the time required for certain braided hairstyles by half. Created in partnership with David Afolabi, the device — named HaloBraid — automates the most repetitive stages of the braiding process, enabling salon professionals to work faster and with significantly less physical strain.
The device was unveiled in a demonstration released on Wednesday, 28 October, and was developed by Halo, the company founded by Ogunbiyi, which raised seven million dollars in a funding round completed in June.
HaloBraid is designed to function as an assistant to braiding professionals rather than a replacement for manual work. The stylist begins by sectioning the hair, applying the necessary products, and starting each braid to set the desired style and pattern. The hair section is then fed into the device, which continues the braiding motion. The stylist returns at the end to complete and finish the style.
According to the company, the robot can complete each braid up to five times faster than the traditional method, potentially reducing a six-hour session to approximately three hours, depending on the hairstyle.
The technology has been designed to work with styles such as box braids and knotless braids, with the aim of reducing the repetitive movements associated with sessions that can last several hours.
The Idea Born During Lockdown
The concept originated in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, when Ogunbiyi spent four days braiding her own hair. The experience prompted her to seek a technological solution that would accelerate the process and reduce the physical toll on braiding professionals.
In June this year, Halo announced the seven-million-dollar funding round, led by Seven Seven Six, the investment firm founded by Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit. The round also drew participation from AlleyCorp and Bling Capital.
The investment is intended to support equipment testing, production preparation, and the establishment of partnerships with hair salons.
Questions Remain Over Performance
Despite the benefits announced, questions remain about the robot's ability to handle different hair textures, ensure consistency across braids, and avoid damage to hair strands. The company states that the technology was developed to reduce tension on the hair, but its performance will need to be assessed through wider real-world use.
According to Halo, more than 7,000 salons have already expressed interest in the device. The company is planning a phased market introduction through partnerships with professionals, though it has not yet announced a definitive timeline for broader availability.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=556676
