We Tried A $60 Massage Done By AI Robots - It Felt Surprisingly Human

Summary

In this video, Alexa Mikhail, a health and wellness reporter at Fortune, experiences her first AI-powered massage with Aescape, a company revolutionizing the spa industry with robotic arms and AI technology. The fully automated massage offers personalized adjustments for pressure and experience, allowing users to control their treatment through an app. Founder Eric Litman discusses how the concept was born from his struggle with chronic pain and aims to provide a convenient, customizable, and affordable wellness experience. Aescape is expanding into gyms, hotels, and clinics, envisioning AI as the future of wellness and self-care.

Takeaways

• 😀 AI-powered massages are disrupting the spa industry, with companies like Aescape offering fully automated, on-demand massage experiences.
• 😀 Aescape's massage tables feature sensors that create a 3D model of the body, allowing for precise customization of pressure and experience.
• 😀 Customers can control the intensity of the massage and choose from immersive environments, such as a rainforest or snowy mountain, to enhance the experience.
• 😀 The massage system allows for dynamic adjustments, including real-time pressure changes and the option to pause or stop the treatment entirely.
• 😀 Aescape's AI-powered massage technology has been tested on over 5,000 people and developed with input from orthopedic surgeons and therapists to ensure safety and effectiveness.
• 😀 The system is designed to be user-friendly, with features like a responsive pressure control system and an assistance button for help if needed.
• 😀 The AI massage addresses a significant market gap, providing an alternative for those uncomfortable with human massage therapists, particularly in a post-pandemic world.
• 😀 Aescape's technology is also seen as a solution to the shortage of massage therapists in the U.S., with 30,000 open positions in the industry.
• 😀 Aescape's product is being launched in Equinox gyms in New York City, with plans for nationwide expansion and distribution in hotels, spas, and other locations.
• 😀 The price point for a 30-minute session is $60, which is positioned as an affordable alternative to traditional 60-minute massages with a therapist.
• 😀 In the future, AI is expected to play a major role in the wellness industry, expanding from diagnostics to preventive care and overall health management.

Q & A

What is the core concept behind the AI-powered massage service?

The core concept of the AI-powered massage service is to offer fully automated, customizable massages using robotic arms. This service allows users to adjust various aspects of the massage, such as pressure and areas of focus, all while using AI and sensors to personalize the experience based on the user’s body.

How does the Aescape system create a personalized massage experience?

The Aescape system uses sensors placed overhead to create a 3D model of the user’s body. This model helps adjust the massage in real-time, allowing users to make precise changes to the pressure and technique based on their preferences. Additionally, users can control immersive content during the massage, such as virtual environments like a rainforest or snowy mountain.

What are the key features of the Aescape massage system?

Key features of the Aescape system include the ability to adjust pressure, the use of immersive content, a 3D body mapping system, and responsive robotic arms that apply pressure evenly across the body. The system is designed to be fully customizable, with a user-friendly interface that lets users make real-time adjustments to their massage.

How does the AI-powered massage system compare to traditional massages by humans?

Unlike traditional massages, the AI-powered system allows for precise control over pressure and technique, and can be adjusted throughout the session. The robotic arms provide consistent pressure without the human limitations, making it a convenient and customizable option. It also eliminates the potential discomfort of interacting with a massage therapist.

What was the motivation behind creating Aescape?

Aescape was created by Eric Litman, who experienced chronic neck and back pain. After relying on daily massages for relief, Litman sought to automate the massage process, making it more accessible and customizable for others. The goal was to offer on-demand, high-quality massages that people could control themselves, without needing to rely on a therapist.

How does Aescape ensure safety during the massage experience?

Safety is prioritized through a combination of real-time user control and extensive testing. Users can pause or adjust the massage at any time if they experience discomfort. Additionally, the robotic arms are specifically designed to apply the correct amount of pressure, without the risk of injury, and the system has been thoroughly tested on over 5,000 people.

What are the advantages of using Aescape over a traditional massage therapist?

The primary advantage of Aescape is the level of control it gives users over the massage experience. It caters to those who may feel uncomfortable with traditional therapists, whether due to privacy concerns or gender preferences. Additionally, Aescape offers more precise and customizable adjustments to pressure and areas of focus, allowing for a more tailored experience.

How does the pricing of the Aescape system compare to traditional massages?

A standard Aescape massage costs $60 for a 30-minute session, which is positioned as a great value compared to traditional massages. The system is designed to perform the equivalent work of a 60-minute massage with a therapist, making it a more time-efficient and cost-effective alternative.

What is the future potential for AI-powered wellness services like Aescape?

AI-powered wellness services like Aescape have the potential to revolutionize the wellness industry by democratizing access to high-quality self-care. In the future, AI could be integrated into a variety of wellness services, from diagnostics and prevention to personalized treatments, making wellness more accessible, affordable, and effective for a larger population.

Where can users access the Aescape AI-powered massage, and what are the expansion plans?

Currently, Aescape is available at Equinox gyms in New York City, with plans for nationwide expansion. The company also plans to roll out the system to hotels, spas, multifamily buildings, sports teams, and clinics, increasing access to the technology across various sectors of wellness and healthcare.