Epson Robots Invests in Blank Beauty to Bring Automation and Retailtainment to the Consumer Space
Strategic Investment Fuels New Retail and Service Experiences Through Robotics and On-Demand Manufacturing
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif., May 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Epson Robots, the #1 SCARA robot manufacturer in the world, is redefining the role of automation by bringing manufacturing beyond the factory floor and directly into the hands of consumers. As part of its strategy to expand into retail and service industries, Epson has made a strategic investment in Blank Beauty Inc., a Knoxville-based tech platform that enables on-demand, customized manufacturing of consumer packaged goods. This partnership marks the beginning of a co-creation initiative aimed at delivering personalized products at scale using advanced robotics.
Epson logo (PRNewsfoto/Epson America, Inc.)
By integrating Epson advanced automation solutions – including the T3 All-in-One SCARA Robot, Epson RC+® software, Color Control Technology, and Spectroscopic Vision systems – with Blank Beauty's autonomous manufacturing platform, the two companies are pioneering a new model for retail engagement. This collaboration brings together Epson's precision robotics and Blank Beauty's agile, on-demand manufacturing with color matching technology to transform how automated systems produce single-quantity, custom products in real time.
As part of the co-creation, Epson and Blank Beauty have developed an innovative in-store kiosk terminal capable of manufacturing and dispensing single- and small-quantity, custom-color nail polishes. Powered by Epson's compact and precise T3 robotic arms, the 2' x 2' kiosk delivers a seamless, space-efficient production experience – from real-time color selection to mixing and dispensing – within minutes. The live, visually dynamic process not only delivers a personalized product, but also serves as a retailtainment centerpiece, offering consumers a next-generation customization experience. The kiosk has already been piloted in select locations with a leading national retailer and is gaining strong traction.
"This is a powerful example of how Epson technology is entering new frontiers – delivering scalable customization, reducing costs and enhancing customer engagement," said Rick Brookshire, Director of Robotics at Epson America, Inc. "Our investment in Blank Beauty through Epson X underscores the active role Epson Robots is taking to drive innovation in production, distribution and consumer experiences across industries."
Beyond in-store experiences, the Epson and Blank Beauty collaboration extends to e-commerce, where Epson-powered equipment integrated with web applications to fully automate the process – from color formulation and mixing to packaging and shipment of online orders.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
8 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Epson's New PowerLite L-Series Portable Projectors Now Available and Compatible with Apple AirPlay
10 New Fixed Lens Projector Models with up to 8,000 Lumens Allow for Easy Sharing of Content from Apple Devices ORLANDO, Fla., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (InfoComm, Epson booth #3427) -- As schools and businesses place greater emphasis on flexibility, collaboration and visual impact, demand is rising for intuitive, high-quality display solutions that support BYOD and multi-platform streaming. Epson, the number one selling projector brand worldwide,1 today announced its newest 3-chip 3LCD PowerLite® L-Series laser projectors are now available and are compatible with Apple® AirPlay®. This enhancement addresses the growing demand for effortless content streaming on large, vibrant displays in education and corporate settings, allowing users to share videos, photos, music, and more from Apple devices directly to their projector. The new lineup delivers higher brightness and pro level features in a portable design, with an expanded range of throw ratios that solve placement challenges. With standard throw projectors and newly added optical zoom on two short throw options, the PowerLite L-Series now covers an expansive range of throw ratios between .5 to 2.2. This allows greater installation flexibility across applications, from floor and rear projection to meeting rooms and lecture halls. "The new PowerLite L-Series models are a unique combination of compact form factor and professional-level features," said Chris Teguh, product manager, large venue projectors, Epson America, Inc. "The addition of Apple AirPlay combability demonstrates our commitment to enhancing user experiences and connectivity to allow users to easily share content in classroom and business settings." Apple AirPlay compatibility allows users to stream movies, music, games, and photos directly to the new PowerLite L-Series projectors from iPhones, iPads or Macs. Users can watch movies and shows from favorite apps or Safari, share photos with everyone in a room, or play music and podcasts on the projector and other AirPlay speakers. Powered by Epson's 3-chip 3LCD technology, the lineup ranges from 6,000- to 8,000-lumens,2 with options featuring Full HD WUXGA resolution and 4K Enhancement Technology3 for sharp, detailed images – even for up close viewing. Built for a variety of environments – classrooms and lecture halls, conference rooms, hybrid workspaces and more – these powerful projectors produce exceptionally vibrant, high-resolution images up to 500 inches in 16:10. Plus, they are capable of projecting in a variety of other aspect ratios, including ultra-wide 16:6 and 21:9 for enhanced content display and visibility. Previously only available in Epson's interchangeable lens lineup, the new projectors include robust installation tools such as NFC,4 advanced geometric correction and the optional PixAlign® camera for simplifying complex multi-projector installations such as screen matching, blending or stacking. They also offer powerful features, such as optical zoom, wide lens shift, geometric correction tools, and more for simple and seamless installation. With built-in wireless communication, users can monitor and control projector fleets remotely from a web browser using the Epson Projector Management Connected app, as well as enable advanced screen casting tools like Apple AirPlay, Epson iProjection™5 and Miracast®.5 "Customers are looking for more accessible ways to build complex multi-projector systems, and these latest PowerLite L models enable that. And now with AirPlay compatibility, they deliver stunning visuals while integrating into today's smart ecosystems," said Teguh. AvailabilityAll new PowerLite L-Series models are now available through authorized Epson with built-in Apple AirPlay 2 compatibility include the PowerLite L690U, L790U, L890U, L690E, L890E, L895E, L690SU, L695SU, L790SE, and L795SE. The PowerLite L690SE and L695SE are available without AirPlay functionality. For existing compatible models, Apple AirPlay 2 is available via a firmware update on Epson's website and will be preinstalled on future models. Special education pricing is available through the Brighter Futures® program. A unique sales and support initiative available specifically for schools, Brighter Futures is designed to help educators select and implement the best products for their classrooms while making the most of their budgets. In addition to special pricing, Brighter Futures offers dedicated education account managers and toll-free technical support for all Epson projectors and associated accessories. For additional information on Epson large venue solutions, visit About EpsonEpson is a global technology leader whose philosophy of efficient, compact and precise innovation enriches lives and helps create a better world. The company is focused on solving societal issues through innovations in home and office printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual and lifestyle. Epson's goal is to become carbon negative and eliminate use of exhaustible underground resources such as oil and metal by 2050. Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the worldwide Epson Group generates annual sales of more than JPY 1 trillion. Epson America, Inc., based in Los Alamitos, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook ( X ( YouTube ( and Instagram ( 1 Epson is the #1 projector brand worldwide and in the U.S. according to most recent quarterly data from PMA, a leading high-tech market research and publishing firm specializing in the display market.2 Color brightness (color light output) and white brightness (white light output) will vary depending on usage conditions. Color light output measured in accordance with IDMS 15.4; white light output measured in accordance with ISO 21118.3 4K Enhancement Technology shifts each pixel to surpass Full HD resolution on screen.4 NFC requires use of a device that includes NFC and may require additional software.5 The projector supports direct peer-to-peer wireless casting of local content from Miracast-enabled devices or via the Epson iProjection app. For best performance when using Epson iProjection, it is recommended that the projector and connecting devices be configured on a network, either through the Ethernet port on the projector or via a wireless connection. The Epson iProjection App does not support all files and formats. See for details. EPSON and PowerLite are registered trademarks and Epson iProjection is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Brighter Futures and PixAlign are registered trademarks of Epson America, Inc. Miracast® and Wi-Fi® is a registered trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance®. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2025 Epson America, Inc. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Epson America, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
10 minutes ago
- Yahoo
‘A team that I'm proud of': How Irving Oil's John Laidlaw built an East Coast legal legacy
by Jim Middlemiss John Laidlaw never imagined he would spend the twilight years of his career navigating Ireland's complex energy markets, but sometimes the best opportunities arrive when you least expect them. The 2025 recipient of the CGCA's BLG Stephen Sigurdson Lifetime Achievement Award made what he calls 'a leap of faith' in 2016, leaving a 32-year partnership at law firm Cox & Palmer in Saint John, N.B. to become chief legal officer at Canadian energy giant Irving Oil Ltd. 'I was at a point in my life where my youngest of four was wrapping up her undergrad degree, and we were empty nesters,' recalled Laidlaw, now in his 10th year at the Saint John-based energy company. 'You start to look around and say, 'Maybe I've gone as far as I'm going to go in private practice, and maybe I should think about what lies ahead.'' The conversation that changed his trajectory began innocently enough — a casual discussion with Irving Oil's then-president Ian Whitcomb about whether he would move in-house. For someone who had built his reputation as a corporate commercial lawyer handling everything from public-private partnerships to advising clients in aquaculture, fisheries and agriculture, a move to the oil and gas industry represented a dramatic pivot in the latter stages of his career. 'Those around me whose judgment I respected were all of the view that this was something I should really think about,' said Laidlaw. 'Irving Oil has a stellar reputation, and opportunities like that don't always come along when you're in your late 50s.' He admits it was a huge change, likening it to drinking from a firehose. Fortunately, he learned early in his career how to be a quick study. 'You never stop learning in any business, but particularly so being a corporate commercial lawyer. Whoever walks in the door, you've got to learn their business fairly quickly to be able to provide good, sensible and competent advice,' he said. The company supported him through the transition. 'They were very patient with me as I got up to speed. This is a very fascinating, complicated business, and one where you never stop learning.' The transition from external counsel to corporate insider proved transformative. Within months, Laidlaw found himself at the centre of Irving's historic expansion into Ireland, advising on the 2016 acquisition of that country's only oil refinery from Phillips 66. The Whitegate facility purchase was followed in 2019 by Irving's acquisition of the Tedcastle group, which operates under the Top Oil brand. 'The great thing about being here is you get to see things end to end,' Laidlaw said, contrasting his in-house role with private practice where deals concluded when documents were signed. Now, he says, 'when it's all said and done, you get to hang out at the party' after the deal and figure out how to 'integrate this and make it all work.' Irving Oil, founded in 1924 and still family-owned, operates Canada's largest refinery and has 900 fuelling stations spanning eastern Canada and New England. When Laidlaw arrived, Irving's legal department consisted of just his predecessor and one other lawyer. Today, he oversees eight legal professionals plus a 'very strong regulatory compliance team' — reflecting both the company's growth and the increasing complexity of energy sector regulations. 'I've built a team here that I'm proud of,' Laidlaw said, noting that four of his current team members followed him from Cox & Palmer. 'Many are lawyers and support staff who believed in what we were building here.' For Laidlaw, who was called to the New Brunswick bar in 1984 after earning his law degree from the University of New Brunswick, the most rewarding aspect of his career has been developing talent. During his Cox & Palmer years, he served as an instructor for the commercial law portion of the New Brunswick bar admission course for nearly 20 years and maintained an open-door policy for junior lawyers seeking guidance. He believes strongly in mentorship and coaching, because that's how he learned. 'I had some tremendous, mentors that cultivated me and brought me along,' he said. 'As you get a bit older, you realize the positive impact it had and so in my view, it's a duty or an obligation. I like to think the profession is pretty good at that, but it's something that everybody has to play a part.' Laidlaw's community involvement has also been extensive. He has served as chair of the Saint John area New Brunswick Provincial Mental Health Tribunal, the Centracare Foundation and the Horizon Health Network, one of the province's two health authorities. 'I was brought up in a household where you were expected to give back,' he explained. 'To whom much is given, much is expected.' At 67, Laidlaw shows no signs of slowing down. 'I'm obviously in the downward slope given my age, but I don't intend to leave Irving Oil anytime soon,' he said. 'I'm not sure I would ever fully stop doing something.' His advice to young lawyers reflects the humility that colleagues consistently note: be the first to arrive and last to leave, see everything as an opportunity, and remember that success often comes down to being in the right place at the right time — then having the courage to walk through the door when it opens. Irving Oil president steps down amid strategic review Arthur Irving out as chairman of Irving Oil For Laidlaw, that door opened nearly a decade ago in Saint John, leading to what he describes as some of the most fulfilling years of his legal career. 'It sort of reignited things for me at a point where I wasn't quite ready to wind down,' he said. 'This has been absolutely wonderful.' Sign in to access your portfolio


Bloomberg
16 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
SoftBank-Backed Meesho Said to Plan IPO Filing in Coming Weeks
Indian e-commerce platform Meesho plans to confidentially file for an initial public offering in Mumbai in the coming weeks, people familiar with the matter said. The Bengaluru-based company, whose backers include SoftBank Group Corp., could seek to raise $700 million to $800 million in the IPO, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because the information is private.