The artificial think in getting inked: AI-powered tattoo robots debut in New York, Austin

Body art shops in New York and Austin have begun offering tattoos created by an AI-powered robot developed by startup Blackdot. The robotic system uses a needle attached to a robot arm and computer vision to measure the recipient’s skin, reportedly causing less pain than traditional tattooing because the needle doesn’t pierce as deeply.

How it works: The AI-powered robot combines mechanical precision with computer vision technology to create tattoos on human skin.

• The device features a needle attached to a robotic arm that uses computer vision to measure and analyze the recipient’s skin before tattooing.
• The system causes less pain than traditional tattooing methods because the needle doesn’t penetrate the skin as deeply as human tattoo artists typically do.
• The technology is currently being offered at select body art shops in New York and Austin.

What they’re saying: Blackdot founder Joel Pennington draws parallels between his technology and historical innovations that transformed traditional industries.

• “There are people that are wondering if technology should make its way into the tattoo industry,” Pennington told The Wall Street Journal. “But that was what happened when Gutenberg came out with a printing press, and everyone thought that books should be handwritten.”

Industry concerns: Some tattoo artists worry the technology could threaten their livelihoods or diminish the artistic value of tattooing.

• Artists express concern that AI-powered robots could replace human tattooists or devalue the craftsmanship that goes into traditional tattooing.
• The technology raises questions about whether automation should enter creative industries that have historically relied on human skill and artistry.

The company’s vision: Blackdot positions its robot as a complement to human artists rather than a replacement, targeting specific customer segments and tattoo types.

• Pennington says he isn’t looking to replace tattoo artists but wants to serve customers seeking a less painful experience or those uncomfortable in traditional tattooing environments.
• The machine could handle artwork that tattooists don’t particularly enjoy creating, such as simple lettering, freeing human artists to focus on more complex designs.