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Taiwanese Startup Speed 3D Wins First Prize at L'Oréal's BIG BANG Innovation Competition
Taiwan-based AR/VR tech company Speed 3D has won first prize at the 2025 BIG BANG Co-Creation Program, an innovation initiative hosted by L’Oréal. Their award-winning creation, the Picbot Beauty AI Smart Vending Machine, is the world’s first device to integrate AI-powered virtual makeup try-ons with automated retail.
Speed 3D will represent Taiwan at the award ceremony in Shanghai, joining other top innovators from across L’Oréal’s North Asia markets.
The Picbot Beauty vending machine offers an interactive and highly personalized shopping experience that blends physical retail with digital engagement. It reflects the growing convergence of AI and beauty, where user convenience, hygiene, and personalization are becoming central to the consumer journey.
Reinventing Retail with AI, Virtual Try-On, and Data
Speed 3D’s machine goes far beyond traditional vending. Consumers stand in front of the device, where an integrated camera captures their photo. Using the company’s proprietary AI models, the system generates a virtual makeup look inspired by a brand ambassador. The machine recommends related products and curated sets, which users can instantly purchase. Customers can also download their try-on photos and videos via QR code and share them on social media, adding an entertaining and viral aspect to the experience.
The Picbot machine also serves as a powerful data and marketing tool. It detects the number of viewers, their gender, age group, and even gaze direction. These insights help brands analyze audience engagement and improve targeting strategies. API support allows the machine to connect with brand CRM systems and e-commerce platforms. It can also prompt users to follow official LINE accounts or subscribe to brand channels, enabling long-term customer relationship development and remarketing campaigns.
Its sleek, modern design makes it an eye-catching fixture at events and retail spaces, naturally attracting people to interact with it and raising brand visibility on the ground.
A Future-Oriented Vision for Beauty Commerce
Marvin Chiu, Chairman and CEO of Speed 3D, stated “We are honored to participate in such an influential global platform like L’Oréal BIG BANG and even more thrilled to win first prize. We believe Picbot Beauty demonstrates the seamless fusion of beauty and technology, and introduces a completely new model for marketing and retail.”
According to Marvin Chiu, Picbot Beauty represents years of Speed 3D’s R&D in facial recognition, image processing, and AI-driven generative technologies. The company’s solution directly addresses the modern consumer's needs, especially those who are uncomfortable with shared testers or prefer a touchless experience.
This innovation signals a potential shift in how beauty products are experienced and sold. As the global beauty industry searches for smarter, more interactive retail solutions, Taiwan’s Speed 3D is helping define what the future of beauty commerce could look like.
Sources: Commercial Times, China Times, Newtalk， Netmag
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