While we have worked tirelessly building and refining our prototypes, there are also risks associated with backing a crowdfunding campaign.
Our working prototypes are being refined to a sleeker form factor. This requires additional engineering work. Given our ability to rapidly prototype and test products quickly in the field to improve the Nailbot, we are confident that we can transform our works like prototype to a stylish Nailbot. But we must execute quickly to meet the ship dates that we have proposed.
FAQ
Product
Is the Nailbot Safe?
We have spent years working on various designs to ensure a safe product for our nieces, daughters, girlfriends and community. We are also finalizing our formulation and ink sourcing. We will be doing significant safety testing on the device before shipping and may seek a voluntary third party certification on the entire system.
How long do the Nailbot prints last?
They will last a few days - you do need to put a top coat to seal the image. We find that the traditional nail polish underneath will chip first before the prints actually fade.
How do I remove the Nailbot prints?
You can remove the prints with traditional nail polish remover or remover pads. We will also offer these on our website in time.
What happens if it prints on my skin or my daughter's skin?
We are working extensively on our accuracy - but you can remove with traditional nail polish remover or wipes.
Do you use Bluetooth and/or WiFi to connect your phone to the Nailbot?
Yes. Prototypes built have used both. In the video, we use WiFi. Beta Units will use WiFi.
What resolution is possible with the Nailbot?
The resolution of the Nailbot is the same as traditional thermal inkjet products and can reach up to 1200 dpi. Note: While it can print with this resolution, the effective resolution for the Nailbot application will likely be less due to spacing constraints.
How is computer vision integrated?
Preemadonna has already proven our ability to develop and use computer vision in our products. Our first prototype, Gracie, was able to use the front facing camera to capture a picture of the nail and find the edges. Preemadonna's augmented reality app, which we are releasing, finds the edges of the nail in near real time using your smartphone’s camera to appropriately place the graphic onto the nail. For this Nailbot offered on Indiegogo, we will combine the computer vision functions of our augmented reality app with the printing functions to be able to automatically size the art to fit each user's nail size.
What kind of cradle or case is my phone sitting in when using the Nailbot?
The Final Nailbot for shipping will have adjustable cradle that is safe for your phone. And many girls have asked that we create mobile phone cases with the Preemadonna logo on it - so yes, those will come in time too. Make sure you keep tabs on our website.
What if I have small or big fingers or fingernails?
The cradle can accommodate most fingers/fingernails of girls. We use your phone's back facing camera and advanced computer vision algorithms to detect your fingernail - so we will be able to size your fingernail accurately!
Will the Nailbot paint my full nail with the white nail polish and pre-print polish automatically?
Not yet. We are working on a Nailbot that automates the 'polish change' - but it is not ready for shipment or orders. But we know this is what many women want!
Will I have to replace the cartridge?
The cartridge should last for over 5000 manicures (imagine 10 nails with 10 different images/art = 1 manicure). Should you mishandle the Nailbot or not use it for months (the ink may dry), then you will want to purchase a new cartridge which will be available on our website/app. However, it may be more beneficial to just upgrade the Nailbot when that happens.
Is the Nailbot Beta Unit Battery operated?
That is the current plan for official Nailbot units down the road. However, this requires added development and our current prototypes do not have this feature. Our Beta Units will very likely NOT be battery operated and require a electrical plug outlet.
Timing & Shipping
Will it be available sooner? Do I really have to wait?
We know this is a long time to wait, but we prefer to be transparent with our backers. We WILL be hosting events through Ambassadors, Community Partners and Maker Faires, all across the United States in 2016 with a limited number of working Nailbots. Our App will also be released earlier for you to start discovering, creating and sharing cool nail art. If you can't wait for that long, buy Maker Kit and program a DIY printer!
Preemadonna is a global nation! When will you ship the Nailbot outside the United States?
Soon! There are additional certifications and requirements we must meet before shipping the Nailbot outside the United States. If the response is positive in the U.S., we will open up future campaigns to certain international regions.
The Nailbot is too expensive for me - will this be cheaper soon?
It's much more affordable to get the Nailbot on Indiegogo NOW with major discounts as the retail regular price of the Nailbot is $299 - our early backers reap rewards for supporting us early with beta units.
We need to stand by a pricepoint in our early days that allows us to buy inventory, continue building our team and shipping product.
How long have you been working on the Nailbot?
Pree had the idea in 2012 and we started working on it full time in January 2013.
Do you have intellectual property filed on the Nailbot?
Yes. We have patent filings on the entire Nailbot Product Family dating back to 2013.
Community
What is the Preemadonna Ambassador Program?
Our Ambassador program is a way to incorporate our pre-teen and teen supporters into our company and movement. Our Ambassadors are signing up as Hackers, Artists and Social Bees - our program and offerings are serious fun.
Who do you see using the Nailbot the most?
Girls LOVE the Nailbot. But really anyone that thinks art and tech are cool will get a kick out of the Nailbot.
Have you tested any of your prototypes on people?
Yep. Casey and Pree are also great guinea pigs:)
I identify as a male. But I want to use the Nailbot - is that OK?!
Sure! We welcome everyone that celebrates creativity into our company. You are definitely a Preemadonna!
Can I beta test the Nailbot first?
Our Indiegogo backers, Community Partners and Ambassadors get first access. You can find us at events across the country!
STE(A)M & Education
What is the “Maker Kit”? Can I buy one for my classroom or youth tech camp?
So many girls have asked if they could build their own printer. So we created a maker program for girls to program and build their own touchscreen printer. This printer is NOT to be used to print on fingernails - girls can instead print on paper or stickers. The Maker Kit uses Arduino and will come with written and video tutorials.
Can I build mobile applications on top of the Nailbot? That would be a great way to have your pre-teen and teen Preemadonnas contribute their computer science skills?
In time, YES! That is exactly our intention. Sign up as a Preemadonna Ambassador or if you are part of a social purpose organization, get in touch!
Can I or my daughter design art for the Nailbot?
YES! That feature will be integrated into our mobile app. In the interim, we are showing girls how to use digital software to create fun nail art. Learn more about our Artist program with our Preemadonna Ambassadors initiative.
Nailbot Roadmap
What happened to the first Nailbot we saw on your website and You Tube Channel?
We’ve been working on our Nailbots for a long time! Gracie – the early Nailbot – does work! But it is not ready for commercial sale. The touchscreen application is quite novel and we have significant IP filed – but it is not an ideal customer experience just yet. Stay tuned to our company’s progress and you will see it offered for sale in the future.
The Nailbot is so cool for my 13 year old daughter, but do you have a Nailbot for me?
YES! Though pre-teens and teens are our “power users,” our Nailbots are meant for everyone that expresses themselves with cool art and nail decoration, including our moms, millennial girlfriends and nieces. Even our nephews want the Nailbot!
Future Nailbots: We have been working on our entire product roadmap for three years. We want every girl and woman (or person that loves creativity!) in your family to have a Nailbot that decorates their nails - whether with art designs or full coverage polish! We are a transparent company and hope to involve our earliest supporters in our product development - so here's a sneak peek!
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Funding
Do you have outside funding from venture capitalists or famous angel investors? Who is funding this venture?
Yes, over the past 2 and a half years we have raised a small amount of capital from friends, family, select angels and a hardware accelerator/seed stage venture capital firm. Some of these investors are also advisors and will be crucial as we manufacture. Without these individuals & YOUR support, the Nailbot would not be possible. Thank you!
* All nail prints shown are photographs of real nails.