On a recent trip to NYC, I was lucky enough to spend the morning enjoying ila Only Spa at Lotte New York Palace. The spa itself is a stunning haven of relaxation (more to come on that). But it also is significant as one of the first locations to feature Aescape’s Robotic Massage ($75, 30 minutes). I’ve been hearing about this new technology since discovering it a few years ago at an International Spa Association conference, and I’ve been dying to check it out.
Here’s the scoop. Aescape is a New York-based lifestyle robotics company. Using advanced AI technology, the company has created a fully automated, customizable massage experience for personalized wellness and recovery. Before the massage begins, clients can adjust the bolster, headrest, and armrest positioning so their body is in the most comfortable and optimized position for a precise, targeted massage. Using the interactive Aerview console, clients can initiate the massage, and at any point in the massage, they can control and adjust the experience by changing the pressure and intensity, targeting specific muscle areas, and tailoring the music and lighting.
This futuristic focus brings an interesting opportunity to the spa world. It is ultra-customized and targeted to the needs of each client, by the client. It is also touchless, which means the massage takes place without a therapist, allowing spas to book treatments when therapists may not be available. It was created with the input of skilled spa practitioners, so it does mimic human movement. It is also relatively quick, and clients wear Aerwear apparel (available in sizes 2XS-4XL) during the massage, so the massage does not require lotion or oil, and guests don’t need to shower post treatment, making it a great option for those looking to relax but who don’t have a ton of time.
I have a few thoughts. While I can understand the common fear about AI taking away jobs from massage therapists, I don’t think the robot massage will do that any time soon. It’s a truly unique experience—I certainly felt muscle relief and appreciated being able to customize the experience. I don’t believe, however, that there is anything that can replicate either the feeling or mental and physical benefits of the touch of a talented therapist. Right now, the robot massage is a face-down experience targeted to the back/upper body and glutes, which feels great, but leaves out the massage of limbs and the front of the body (Aescape says updates are coming). Even when the robot massage expands its offerings, I still think human touch and the ability to quickly adapt to the specific needs of a client is something it will never replace.
I do think it’s an interesting (and potentially lucrative) option for spas, gyms, and wellness facilities for the following reasons:
- It’s relatively small, so it’s a great fit for unused space at a spa unable to accommodate a large massage table.
- As a touchless add-on or quick service, the revenue opportunity is impressive. With treatments lasting just 15-30 minutes, it’s a great way to fill the schedule and cover times when you may not have therapists available or a way to extend a service.
- Some people feel uncomfortable with nudity or being touched by strangers. This is a way to bring them to a spa to experience a treatment while keeping them comfortable from a privacy angle. It’s a unique opportunity to introduce new guests to the spa.
- Robot massage can be more affordable than a traditional massage. It doesn’t require a tip, and a 30-minute treatment can be priced as low as $60. A 15-minute treatment can start as low as $30, according to Aescape. This is appealing to clients who are watching their budgets and may, again, bring new clients into the spa who then may be enticed to sample other services.
- When it comes to fitness and wellness centers with workout rooms and classes, this feels like a huge opportunity for clients who may want some quick relief after a taxing workout. I can see robot massage relief rooms being a great revenue generator for fitness centers.
At the end of the day, I enjoyed my Aescape experience, and I would do it again. Would I choose it over a 60-minute massage from a skilled therapist? No. For me, the benefit of human touch outweighs the targeted focus of a machine, even an intuitive one. But I don’t see it as either-or. I see it as an “in addition to” option to spa-going and muscle recovery. I look forward to watching this technology advance and to the spa industry adopting this as another tool in its wellness toolbox.
Stay tuned for my review of ila Only Spa, and to schedule a Robot Massage of your own, book here.
