Yinka Ogunbiyi, a Nigerian-American engineer with a background in biomechanical engineering from Harvard University, has developed the world's first automated hair-braiding robot, HaloBraid. The device, created in collaboration with co-founder David Afolabi, aims to assist professional hairstylists in braiding individual sections up to five times faster. This innovation is designed to reduce the physical strain associated with hours of repetitive hand movements, which can contribute to pain and injuries among professional braiders.
The development of HaloBraid was a long and iterative process, with Ogunbiyi and Afolabi building over 600 prototypes before finalizing the design. Their efforts were guided by consultations with braiders to understand the demands of the industry. The engineers sought to address a common problem faced by many people who wear braids, particularly those who spend several hours in salon chairs. By speeding up the braiding process, HaloBraid aims to shorten appointments for customers.
Ogunbiyi's idea for HaloBraid was born out of personal experience during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020. Unable to leave home for a salon appointment, she attempted to make knotless braids herself, a process that took her four days. This experience prompted her to question why no device existed to make braiding faster. Teaming up with Afolabi, she began working on a solution that would eventually become HaloBraid.
HaloBraid is designed to work alongside professional stylists, not replace them. The stylist sections the hair and starts each braid by hand before the device takes over the finishing process. The stylist then completes the final touches. This collaborative approach ensures that the stylist maintains control over the braiding process while leveraging the efficiency of the robot.
The development of HaloBraid has earned Ogunbiyi and Afolabi significant recognition. In 2025, they won Harvard University's President's Innovation Challenge, securing a $75,000 grand prize. The competition involved a presentation before an audience of about 2,000 people, showcasing the innovative potential of their technology. This achievement highlights the impact of their work at the intersection of engineering, beauty, and technology.
HaloBraid has also secured $7 million in seed funding to support its commercial rollout. This investment will help bring the technology to a wider audience, potentially transforming the hairstyling industry. By reducing the time spent on braiding and minimizing physical strain on stylists, HaloBraid could make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people who wear braids.
The launch of HaloBraid marks a significant milestone in the integration of technology and beauty. As the world's first automated hair-braiding robot, it offers a solution to a common problem faced by stylists and clients alike. With its ability to braid sections up to five times faster, HaloBraid has the potential to revolutionize the hairstyling industry.
Key points
- Yinka Ogunbiyi and David Afolabi developed HaloBraid, the world's first automated hair-braiding robot, to assist professional hairstylists.
- The device can braid individual sections up to five times faster, reducing physical strain on stylists and shortening appointments for customers.
- HaloBraid has secured $7 million in seed funding to support its commercial rollout.
