By Nyang’au Araka
If you were born into a world of buzzing clippers and barber shops, remember this: there was a time when a simple pair of scissors or a razor blade was all it took to get the job done.
Now, a video showing a man getting a haircut from a sleek, automated street-side machine in Oslo has gone viral—but it turns out the clip may not be real.
According to The Economic Times, “the clip was later revealed to be AI-generated, sparking debate about future technology”.
The video, which appears to show an AI-powered kiosk delivering a precise taper fade in seconds, was widely shared as a glimpse into the future of grooming.
The machine, dubbed the “Auto Street Barber,” promised speed, convenience, and a touch of sci-fi flair.
But as viewers marvelled at the innovation, others raised eyebrows—and questions.
If the video is indeed AI-generated, as reported, then the machine itself may not exist at all.
That hasn’t stopped the conversation, though. The idea of robotic barbers has ignited both excitement and concern.
Could such technology threaten jobs in the personal care sector?
Would people trust a machine with their head?
The Economic Times notes that while the concept is futuristic, it also highlights growing anxieties about automation and the erosion of human touch in everyday services.
Barbershops have long been places of community, conversation, and trust—qualities that no algorithm can replicate.
Still, the buzz around the video shows how quickly AI can shape public perception.
Whether real or fictional, the Auto Street Barber has sparked global curiosity and forced us to ask: Are we ready to trade tradition for convenience?