AI-Integrated Robotics Revolutionize Traditional Massage Services, Potentially Endangering Therapist Employment
In the ever-evolving world of wellness, a new innovation is making waves in the massage therapy industry. Aescape, a company founded by Eric Litman, is offering AI-powered massages using robots that resemble surgical bots. These advanced machines can replicate seven distinct massage techniques with the perfect pressure and temperature, providing a fully automated, customizable massage experience.
The personalized and touchless nature of Aescape's service is one of its key selling points. Customers can customize pressure, focus areas, and even music, without the need for oils or lotions. They wear a fitted suit provided by Aescape for the session, and can adjust the bolster, headrest, and armrest positioning for a comfortable and optimized massage.
High-end fitness clubs like Life Time have already piloted the service, reporting over 600 sessions booked shortly after launch. The technology appeals to busy lifestyles due to adjustable session lengths and the elimination of the need to disrobe.
The robotic massage offered by Aescape is not intended to replicate human massages but to deliver deep, restorative work that is controlled by the customer. Users report the experience as "unlike anything before" with human-like warmth and effective tension relief, though it has not fully replicated the traditional human spa experience yet.
Dr. Swapna Kallikadan, founder of Health + Glow, has acquired Aescape's AI-powered massage services. The results at Health + Glow have been positive, with Dr. Kallikadan stating that the AI massage is very similar to getting a massage with human touch.
Aescape is aiming to tap into the growing $19 billion massage and recovery market. The company has raised a total of $128 million in funding so far. The AI robot uses advanced sensors to map over one million 3D data points of a customer's body, ensuring a targeted and personalized therapy.
The robotic arms and air points of the AI massage robot glide over the body without any hindrances, offering a smooth and seamless experience. Aescape's AI massage is positioned as a complement to existing wellness offerings in hotels, gyms, and spas, helping these establishments extend service hours, generate new revenue, and attract a broader audience.
As the AI-powered massage becomes more prevalent, some experts suggest that it could redefine wellness therapy by offering scalable, consistent, and data-driven treatments. This could potentially challenge traditional therapist roles, reshaping consumer expectations for massage therapy by combining convenience, customization, and cutting-edge AI technology.
- The growing $19 billion massage and recovery market attracts Aescape, a company that offers AI-powered massages using robots reminiscent of surgical bots.
- Aescape's AI massage service, with its personalized and touchless features, appeals to busy lifestyles and high-end fitness clubs like Life Time, which have already booked over 600 sessions.
- As the AI massage robot from Aescape uses advanced sensors to map over one million 3D data points of a customer's body, it provides targeted and customized therapies.
- The integration of artificial intelligence in massage therapies and treatments could potentially redefine wellness therapy, offering scalable, consistent, and data-driven treatments, and thereby challenging traditional therapist roles.