{
  "id": 17035651,
  "title": "Nigerian-American founder unveils hair-braiding robot in new demo",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/nigerian-american-founder-unveils-hair-braiding-robot-in-new-demo",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-29T09:02:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/nigerian-american-founder-unveils-hair-braiding-robot-in-new-demo/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigerian-American entrepreneur Yinka Ogunbiyi has unveiled HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to expedite the hair-braiding process. The demonstration of HaloBraid was shared on the HaloBraid Instagram account, showcasing the technology in action. The device, created by Ogunbiyi and her co-founder David Afolabi, aims to streamline individual braiding tasks, allowing stylists to complete braids up to five times faster than manual braiding. Each braid begins with the stylist's hand, but HaloBraid takes over the repetitive weaving process, empowering professionals to double their business. Although the device doesn't replace the hairstylist, it reduces physical strain and repetitive hand movements, contributing to a more efficient salon experience. HaloBraid is currently being rolled out in phases, with over 7,000 salons on its waiting list. The startup secured $7 million in seed funding led by Seven Seven Six in July.",
  "summary": "Nigerian-American engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi has unveiled a demo of HaloBraid, a robotic device designed to help hairstylists complete braids five times faste Read More: https://punchng.com/nigerian-american-founder-unveils-hair-braiding-robot-in-new-demo/",
  "key_points": [
    "Nigerian-American Yinka Ogunbiyi unveils HaloBraid robot",
    "HaloBraid braids hair 5x faster than manual method",
    "Startup secures $7M seed funding from Seven Seven Six"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Automating the repetitive weaving process shifts the role of the stylist from manual laborer to technical operator, offering a way to increase salon throughput while reducing physical strain.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}