Nail painting automation

• Main Author: Lim, Timothy Jin Hng
• Other Authors: Marcos
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2023
• Subjects: Engineering::Mechanical engineering; Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Robots
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/167134
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Although automation has been a growing trend for some time, recent events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, trade conflicts, and supply bottlenecks have highlighted the enormous cost of unforeseen disruptions to managers. As the pandemic subsides, firms are increasingly turning to automation, particularly robots, instead of rehiring or hiring new workers. One promising area of interest for startup robotics companies is the development of machines for manicures. Nail painting automation is a valuable endeavor, given that nail polish emits toxic fumes that could cause lung irritation when inhaled, as well as skin and eye irritation. Despite previous successes in replicating human art with robotic painting systems, little research has been done on painting an even layer using a paintbrush. This project goes beyond prior studies by designing and creating an automatic nail painting device that utilizes a brushing mechanism. The project will evaluate different parameters, such as brush speed, angle, number of layers, and surface roughness, to achieve a uniform nail coating under the naked eye.