As the tipping debate rages on, some women have found a quick and convenient way to avoid paying extra in tips at the nail salon: robots. Women are spending between $8 and $10 on a robotic manicure at Target, which saves them from having to tip a manicurist. Robotic manicurists are meant to provide self-care that’s fast and affordable, normally completed within 10 minutes. The standard tip for a professional manicurist is 20%, which means women are looking at having to pay $48-$63 for a manicure, which includes the tip. It's no wonder that a $10 robotic manicure is appealing. A total of 35 engineers spent more than four years developing the Clockwork robot that can remove old nail polish, shape a nail and paint multiple coats. The robot is the size of a large shoebox and big enough to accommodate the entire hand. The robot is currently in production in Malaysia, and the company has partnered with hotel chains and large retailers to release their product in stores. The Clockwork robotic manicurist is expected to be available at 1,000 locations worldwide this fall.
