Botched haircuts could become a thing of the past, after a startup unveils its AI-powered clippers. Kuaiku Innovation claims GLYDE is the world’s first smart hair clipper. The device uses an AI “cutting coach” and “auto fade” technology to let even the most inexperienced barber give you a trim like a pro. As long as you’re willing to trust your hair to an algorithm, GLYDE can provide a full cut in under 10 minutes. Users first select their chosen style from the app on their phone. Then, someone can simply run the clippers over their head as the device automatically adjusts the depth of the cut. The blades move automatically so complex cuts like a fade can be done in a single pass, without any experience or skill. The clipper features built-in sensors that track your motion and the angle of the blade. Onboard motors compare this motion to the design for the haircut and automatically shift the blades. In theory, this means your hair should end up at the exact right length, no matter how the clipper is held. For nervous first-time barbers, GLYDE also includes several features that should, in theory, make it impossible to mess up. If you suddenly change the speed or angle of the cut, the blades will retract and prevent any further cutting. Likewise, if GLYDE detects that you're holding it at the wrong angle or starting the cut from the wrong position, the blades won't deploy in the first place. Currently, users can only choose their trim from a library of pre-made styles, which GLYDE says have been tested across different head shapes. However, in the future, the company plans to allow users to upload their own templates and take inspiration from other users' results. The company is so confident in its technology that it boasts that GLYDE can deliver a cut with “zero mistakes.” The company expects to start shipping this summer, with a cost around $150. So, the question is: Would you trust AI to cut your hair?
