#United States #Los Alamitos #Retail Automation #Epson Robots #Blank Beauty

Epson Partners with Blank Beauty for Superior Retail Automation

In a bold step towards redefining retail experiences, Epson Robots, renowned for being the world's leading manufacturer of SCARA robots, has strategically invested in Knoxville-based Blank Beauty Inc. This partnership promises to bring innovative automation and individualized product offerings beyond the traditional factory setting directly to consumers.

As part of a broader strategy aimed at venturing into the retail and service sectors, this collaboration marks the inception of a co-creation project designed to leverage advanced robotics in manufacturing customizable consumer goods. Epson's advanced automation solutions, including the state-of-the-art T3 All-in-One SCARA Robot and proprietary Color Control Technology, will fuse with Blank Beauty's agile manufacturing platform to usher in a new era of retail engagement.

One of the standout innovations from this collaboration is a unique in-store kiosk designed to manufacture and dispense custom-colored nail polishes on-demand. With the compact and precise T3 robotic arms at its core, this kiosk occupies a mere 2' x 2' footprint and offers an impressive production experience. Shoppers can select their desired color, which the system mixes and dispenses in mere minutes. This live production process does more than satisfy customer personalization needs; it transforms the shopping experience into an engaging and interactive event, functioning as a centerpiece for retailtainment.

This prototype has already been trialed successfully at select locations with a prominent national retailer. Excited by its reception, the team at Epson sees this investment as a significant leap toward enhancing customer engagement and reducing operational costs in the retail sphere. "This marks a powerful example of how Epson technology is charting new territories, delivering scalable customization that resonates with consumer preferences," commented Rick Brookshire, Director of Robotics at Epson America.

The Epson and Blank Beauty partnership goes beyond in-store experiences; it extends into the e-commerce domain, where the companies plan to automate the manufacturing and delivery process for online orders. This will streamline everything from color formulation and mixing to packaging and shipment, creating a seamless buying experience for consumers.

Blank Beauty co-founder and CEO, Charles Brandon, emphasized the importance of Epson’s technology during their collaborative journey: “We built Blank Beauty as a platform for customized manufacturing, needing a partner who combines flexibility, stability, and proven tech. Epson emerged as the perfect fit due to our trusted partnerships and shared vision.” With assistance from APTUS DesignWorks, a well-respected design partner, the companies sprinted from concept to deployment within an impressive timeframe of just six months.

Looking ahead, this collaboration is poised to explore avenues beyond nail polish, aspiring to introduce a range of customizable cosmetics, including gel nails, liquid foundations, and lip glosses. By harnessing Epson's advanced Color Control Technology, they aim to deliver highly personalized products across various sectors. Future expansions may further traverse into custom paints, aromatherapy, and skincare, amplifying the influence of robotics within the consumer experience landscape.

In summary, the strategic partnership between Epson Robots and Blank Beauty signifies a transformative leap in the integration of personalization and automation within retail. As the landscape progresses, the fusion of state-of-the-art robotics with consumer engagement strategies promises to reshape how consumers interact with products and brands, setting a new standard in the ever-evolving world of retail.