I tried Aescape, the artificial intelligence massage robot: see photos

I first heard about Aescape, a fully automated massage service powered by artificial intelligence, through a TikTok ad. I was immediately interested. Can robots really provide an effective massage? Where does artificial intelligence come from? After this ad came up several times on my five-year plan, my curiosity got the better of me and I decided I had to try the experience for myself.

Aescape is currently available at select spas, massage rooms, and Equinox locations in New York City and Miami. You don’t need to be a gym member to book. Simply go to the Aescape location finder, select your preferred location, click to reserve your preferred date and time, and pay the $60-$75 fee.

I tried it at a nearby equinox. Going into it, I was cautiously optimistic that it would likely be more novel than a recovery tool. While I don’t think Aescape can replace a traditional massage experience, after my session I was convinced of the benefits of robot massage. Here, my honest review.

How about Aescape’s AI robot massage?

When I arrived at Equinox to check in, they had me sign some paperwork, then handed me a pair of gray Aescape leggings and a long-sleeved track top, which is what you’re supposed to wear during a massage, and directed me upstairs Go to a massage parlor.

The Aescape machine looks just like a regular massage table, albeit oversized. But there are two huge white mechanical arms next to the head. An interactive screen beneath the headrest with a cutout that fits your face allows you to control the massage, select your pressure preference, indicate when you prefer a certain technique, or pause the massage when you need a break. AI massage starts with a body scan and then the massage begins.

I have to admit, I felt a twinge of fear when I saw those giant robotic arms descending toward my back on the touch screen. The feeling was more intense during the first few hits. I’ve been thinking about the killer robot HAL 9000 from 2001: A Space Odyssey. What keeps the escape arm from pushing me so hard that it pins me to the table and refuses to let me get up?

I pushed these thoughts out of my mind and tried to focus on the massage. I like that the screen shows a schedule for the 30-minute workout, including time spent on each area of ​​the back. I really relaxed when the Aescape started really digging into the knots and pressure points in my upper back. It was actually a really good massage.

The Aescape’s arms are heated (to 95 degrees, according to the Aescape website), which helped me forget about the images of cold, heartless robots running through my mind. It is also able to replicate certain aspects of human massage, specifically by changing its touch sensors (aerpoints), using flat and sharp edges to deliver sensations from different hand, finger or arm positions. At one point, I could have sworn it was an elbow resting on my shoulder blade.

The massage was very thorough and covered my upper back, mid back, lower back and hips and buttocks. The shots are well thought out and always feel like they’re perfectly on target – I never felt like the body scan was missing its target while the robot was operating just an inch from its intended point. According to Aescape, the scan “captures 1.2 million data points to precisely map your body’s muscle structure, creating a unique blueprint for a highly personalized massage experience.”

At one point, I moved my arms to my lower back. I wanted to check to make sure my shirt was still tucked in, and the massage immediately stopped and the robot arm lifted off my body. A message on the screen let me know that the massage would not resume until I returned to a safe position. Although I had forgotten the vision of HAL 9000, it made me feel very safe.

By the time my 30 minutes were over, I felt relaxed, just like I feel after a massage at a nail salon or a foam roller. If I exercise regularly during the equinox, I will definitely hit Aescape after a hard workout. I bet a massage would feel great after lifting weights or doing cardio.

What are the things worthy of attention about the Aescape artificial intelligence massage robot?

The person who checked me in suggested downsizing the Aescape fitness set so it wouldn’t lift up during the massage. I did this, but the fabric still got stuck and pulled a bit during the massage, which wasn’t uncomfortable but distracting. I might try going down another size just to see if that reduces friction.

Aescape doesn’t yet offer a fully full-body experience. My massage includes upper back, mid back, lower back, glutes and buttocks. After experiencing the effects of a back massage, I was eager for a truly thorough neck massage, but the robotic arm didn’t venture into that area or reach south of the buttocks (although there are options that include hamstrings).

Would I recommend Aescape AI robot massage?

I would really recommend robot massage, especially as a quick and easy recovery process after exercise. Do I think robot massage will replace human massage? Not yet – although they could certainly come close if they could offer a true full body massage.

Mirel Zaman is the Director of Health and Fitness at PS. She has over 15 years’ experience working in the health and wellness sector, covering fitness, general health, mental health, relationships and sexuality, food and nutrition, spirituality, family and parenting, culture and news.