I tried the AI robot massage coming to Equinox - Business Insider

  • Thread starter Thread starter massage
  • Start date Start date
  • Replies Replies 0
  • Views Views 957

massage

Registered
Joined
Apr 23, 2013
Messages
147,561
Reaction score
826
Points
113
Tech

I tried the AI robot massage table coming to Equinox. It's impressive, but I still prefer a human.​

Ana Altchek
2024-03-17T08:19:01Z
Ana Altchek trying out Ai massage chair

Business Insider
alt
alt






Redeem now






  • Equinox is getting an AI massage table this summer and it's the first of its kind to launch in the US.
  • The atmosphere and massage itself were solid, but the pressure was a little high at times.
  • The massage costs $60 and you can book a table through the Aescape app.

I come from a family of massage enthusiasts.

My grandmother owned a spa in Paris and my siblings and I grew up getting lessons on massage techniques and nerve terminals. I've tried high pressure, low pressure, deep tissue, hot stone — you name it.

So naturally, I had to test out the new Aescape AI massage that Equinox is adding to its New York City locations in June. It's the first fully automated, customizable massage experience available commercially in the US, with two long robotic arms that massage you in tandem.


CEO Eric Litman founded Aescape in 2017 in search of a remedy for his own chronic pain. The company has since received $80 million in funding and is looking to install its tables at major hotel chains, wellness clubs, and spas in the coming months and years.


Its first table launched Wednesday at PRESS Massage in New York City. PRESS founder and massage therapist Rachel Beider, who also helped develop the table with Aescape, said she would love to see the tables at all four of the spa's locations in the city.

Aescape's table isn't like the massage chairs you might find at a nail salon or wellness shop. You're physically being massaged by two arms — they're just robotic — and the table includes a screen that tracks the whole experience digitally.

It's a less obvious example of AI hardware. Physical machines powered by AI take a wide range of forms, from humanoid robots, like OpenAI-funded Figure-01, to smaller gadgets designed to interact with AI directly, like Humane's Ai Pin.

How it all works​


To book a massage, you can use Aescape's companion app and select a table in your area. The massage costs $60 a session and you don't need to be a member at Equinox to use the table once it launches.


I tried it out at Aescape's headquarters in New York City.

The table is located in a dimly lit room with a large dresser, mirror, and robotic massage table in the center.

Ana Altchek

I changed into a gray set of Aerware. The outfit is tight and sleek with a futuristic aesthetic and Aescape logo on the top. The outfit will be available in different sizes at each location, and you can buy your own too.

The tight gray leggings set creates a frictionless experience.
Aescape

I grew up getting massages on just about every flat surface my grandmother could find, so laying in a towel doesn't phase me. But if you don't like getting undressed for a massage, I definitely recommend trying out this version.


Litman said there are a lot of Americans who don't want a massage because they don't want to be touched. For those people, this offers a way to relax and stretch out tense areas in a more comfortable setting.

Once you lay down and position yourself, the table takes a scan of your body using 1.1 million 3D data points to map your position on the table and identify the parts to perform the massage.

An AI scan of my body.
Ana Altchek

I tried the 30-minute Total Back and Glutes massage, which is so far the only massage available at PRESS, but Aescape spokesperson Molly O'Connor said there will be 20 different massage options available by the summer. Eventually, the touchscreen interface will also be able to recommend massages based on user preferences.


Related stories


Once the massage started, I was able to see everything that was happening on the screen, including the order of the massage, how long each area would take, and where the sensors were working at that moment.


You can also pause the massage at any point, skip certain parts, or press a red button on the top of the screen if you want to completely stop the session.

As the massage is happening, you can see where the sensors are moving. Aescape's CEO said the table will soon have a feature that will allow you to target certain areas by selecting them on the screen.

Highlights — and lowlights​


One of the best parts of the massage was the different display features and music options. I chose to look at a rainforest, but there were multiple other options like waves or snow.

Ana Altchek

The touchscreen also had a wide range of playlists available. So if you wanted, you could listen to Drake's latest album — or Frank Sinatra, depending on your vibe. I liked the nature sounds best.


The heated massage sensors — the parts of the robot that make contact with your body — were another highlight. Last year, I went to an overpriced spa in Paris and spent the full hour with goosebumps down my body. Despite asking the masseuse to turn up the temperature multiple times, it didn't get warmer and it ruined the experience.

Mid-massage at Aescape.
Aescape

Temperature can completely transform a massage so being fully clothed and having a heated touch was nice.

Another perk is that you get both the left and right sides of your body worked on at the same time — a difficult task for a human. I got a massage in Colombia in January and the therapist sat on top of me to achieve the same goal. I was fine with it, but not everyone might be.

For the most part, the technology was seamless. But I did notice that sometimes the Aerpoint's location was a little off. At one point, the screen showed one of the sensors in the right quadrant of my back, but it was on the edge of my spine.


The pressure was also a bit high at times. I don't mind high pressure, but in some areas of my back, it was too intense. The screen has a slider to control the pressure depending on your preferences. For some reason, when I tried to decrease the pressure to the lowest scale, it still felt really forceful on my upper back.

This was during the "elongate" section of the massage. The other parts were fine.

Massage therapists shouldn't be too worried​


This technology might grow in popularity, but I don't see it replacing the human version.

Beider said that this technology will help meet the demand for customers as massage centers face major shortages.


"A lot of people didn't go to school during COVID, a lot of folks didn't graduate," Beider said. "We've always been a bit short-staffed, but now it's even worse."

Beider also said Aescape's massage table isn't an option for everyone. Pregnant women and people with injuries or sensitive areas would be better off working with a human masseuse who can accommodate their specific needs, she said.

Litman also emphasized its use for people who need on-demand massages on a regular basis, like weekly or multiple times a week. The CEO told BI that eventually, the app will be like a Resy or Uber. It will show you all the tables nearby and you'll be able to immediately book a massage.

There are definitely parts of getting a human massage that I didn't miss, like asking the therapist to increase the temperature or move on to a different area. In a setting so intimate and vulnerable, these moments can be awkward even for a massage snob like myself.


But I do like the experience of laying under a blanket and letting someone else take care of me for an hour.

Aescape

Aescape's experience is still relaxing and it feels good — which is the purpose of a massage. But the option to control so many aspects does take a little bit away from the experience of completely disconnecting.

I also like the oils and lotions at a regular massage, but if you're in a rush, this is a more efficient option because you don't need to rinse off after



Adblock test (Why?)
 
Shoutbox
  1. EMSpa_schedule:
    Tomorrow's sneak peek: On Friday April 4, 2025, our attendants will be Ada 💜, Opal 😘, Cici 🤗, Vicky 🥰 and Christina 🤩. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book!
  2. SL East Spa:
    💆‍♀💖Terrific Thursday 💖 Ultimate destination for Asian massages🎉 Two fab spots: SL Richmond Hill & SL West Oakville ✨ Your passport to paradise with 9 enchanting girls fr China, HK — 🆕Tiffany, Joey,Coco, Aaliyah, Julie, Yui, Tina, Michelle & New 34D Jasmine—— ready to pamper you🎁🍁 Ring us 📞647-695-6354 or text us 📱647-578-8169✨ 160 East Beaver Cr., Unit 12, RichmondHill 💰Where Eastern charm meets Western comfort - your bliss awaits🙌
  3. Bruce2034:
    Asian star spa
  4. wilson holistic centre:
    Beautiful girls everyday ☎️ 4165316969☎️💕💕
  5. Pink Flower Spa:
  6. Golden Flower Spa:
  7. BlueXado Therapy & Spa:
  8. Jenny’s Spa:
    🎉🍒JENNY’S SPA🎉🍒 ✅5170 DUNDAS STREET WEST✅ 👌ETOBICOKE ONTARIO M9A 1C4👌 ☎️( 647-893-5196)☎️Call or Text ☎️( 437-888-3759)☎️Call Only (ETOBICOKE) OPEN 10am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅GRAND OPENING💯NEW GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥EXCELLENT MASSAGE + SERVICE QUEENS NOW AVAILABLE AT JENNY’S SPA FOR ALL YOUR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL EXTRA NEEDS🔥💯😘🔥❤️👌 🔥TWO BEAUTIFUL NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥 💯REAL PICTURES OF ATTENDANTS💯 🔥💋Limited Time Special Promotion🔥💋 ✅💦30 Minutes Nude Massage w
  9. wonderspa:
    🌺🌺Wonder spa,(9421Jane st unit127)call416-5000-800☎️best massage in vaughan,💄sexy very young girl Sunny natural c cup,very good looking nice body slide😻 🍎long hair Lucy come back,very good strong to relax oil massage, Relieve pain and remove stress,more experience.😍new very beautiful long hair lily,slimy body,amazing touch, back walk,hot stone,popular friendly girl,must try🔥🔥
  10. SugarLoveSpa:
    Sugar Love Spa 🦋🦋👙👙👙👙👙today have 💋Mia, 💋Sara, 💋Tiffany, 💋Luna, 💋Hana come baby all young sexy girls available👙🦋👙👙437-365-2688👙
  11. bnwellness_wilson:
    We have 4 masseuse are working today. Tina,Ella,Coco and Victoria are providing deep tissue massage, pls call 4163985777 book appointment and walk in always welcome, back entrance and parking available. 350 Wilson Ave North York
  12. Lily Spa:
    ❤️ SANA, ELENA and SUSU are here today for your massage needs ❤️ Lily Spa ❤️ 2190 McNicoll ❤️ Scarborough ❤️ M1V 5M2 ❤️ (647) 531-8288 ❤️
  13. HollywoodSpa:
    Thursday at 🎭𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗔🎭, 4578 Yonge St, Unit 100, North York, ON: CINDY, JENNY & SISI. ☎416-222-5554☎ CINDY is a slim & pretty lady with long dark hair and a pleasing personality. JENNY is slim, attractive, with a tight frame and service with a smile. When you visit 🎭Hollywood Spa🎭, you will be treated with tender care and your visit will be a fulfilling one.
  14. ForeverWarden:
    Thursday at 🫦❤️🔴🟥♾️𝓕𝓞𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓔𝓡 𝓢𝓟𝓐♾️🟥🔴❤️🫦🫦2190 Warden Ave, Unit 201, Scarborough 𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟳𝟴𝟴𝟳: Cindy, Sophia & Tracy. Cindy is a slim beauty, 5’4”, natural C Cups. Her massage is nice, her services will drive you wild & her finish is a dream come true. Sophia is a sweet & pretty Chinese lady with natural B Cups and an awe-inspiring smooth rounded ass. Sophia can provide top notch services
  15. HolidaySpa:
    Thursday at 🌴😎🌅𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓢𝓹𝓪🌅😎🌴3517 Kennedy Rd, Unit 4, Scarborough ☎️𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟮𝟰𝟳-𝟭𝟭𝟵𝟵☎️: ANGELA, LUCY & CINDY. Angela is versatile and responsive. LUCY is a beautiful and slim Asian lady with a happy disposition and great services. CINDY is a slim & incredibly sexy lady with a smile that will melt your heart, & an ass that will fire up your spirit.
  16. Moneylee:
    All season wellness center : young girl pretty face nice figure Thai deep massage Helen,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament summer ,Young girl Big breasted saucy naughty Ella , Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Sherry ,address: #5-30 Rambler dr Brampton ,Ontario L6W 1E2☎️4376655510 🦵🦵👄👄🈵🈵👅👅
  17. Moneylee:
    Full season wellness center: young girl pretty face nice figure Thai deep massage Vivian , pretty face nice figure Thai deep massage Yuki ,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Anjoo ,Young girl Big breasted saucy naughty Ella,Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Mary. 2560 Shepard ave Mississauga unit 1 .☎️4379857899🦵🦵🈵🈵👅👅👄👄
  18. SugarLoveSpa:
    Thursday at ❤️💙 💜⎝𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔⎠💖💗💘: HANA, MIA, LUNA, SARA & TIFFANY. 1270 Finch Ave W (at Keele St), Unit 18. North York, ON ☎ 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟯𝟲𝟱-𝟮𝟲𝟴𝟴 ☎ HANA is a slim, sexy & very liberal Mexican lady with incredible services. MIA is a young & slim 𝙎𝙋𝙄𝙉𝙉𝙀𝙍, very PRETTY & PETITE Vietnamese beauty with A Cups, 5’1” & 90 Lbs, very versatile. Come and enjoy. LUNA is slim
  19. Golden Sunshine Spa:
    ✨Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates and special services ! ✅ Click Here Today🌸Cassy🌸Tina🌸Isabella🌸Tania🌸Bella Call us ☎ 905 - 265 - 2158☎️ Your ultimate service awaits! ✨
  20. Soul Relax Spa:
    ✨ Looking for a relaxing escape? ✅ Click Here Meet🌸Luna🌸Valentina🌸KellyCall us today for the best treatment and service experience. Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates ! Call now ☎ 289 - 298 - 5662☎️ Your ultimate relaxation awaits! ✨
  21. Lulu_Villa_Spa:
    Sami Gorgeous Model Type Vietnamese Girl Judy is a gorgeous model type Vietnamese Girl Natalie filipina mixed Petite girl Cici Cute Skinny Vietnamese Girl ☎️647- 446-0886
  22. luckywellness:
    Lucky Wellness Center 4379721888 295 Eglinton Ave E,Unit 7,Mississauga Kiki and Suki work
  23. Lulu1980:
    Phoenix Blossom Spa 🌹🌹🌹3 girls 🔥🔥🔥5124 Dundas St W Etobicoke☎️416-817-3366👍 Sexy girl Mia big boobs 36DD 😘😘😘😘Hot and sexy body, super body slide, very provocative service😘😘😘, professional super Luna deep tissue massage, has therapeutic effect to loosen bones and relieve muscle pressure and will bring you unexpected service effects, she will bring you a little surprise😍😍😍😍❤️You are welcome to make an appointment at any time or walk in the back door with plenty of parking spaces
  24. DareDevil:
    ARIA WELLNESS ADDRESS: 360 HWY 7, UNIT #6, RICHMOND HILL,647-222-5683/905.886.9993 (PHONES CALL ONLY, NO TEXT'N AVAILABLE) ♥️TODAY'S Schedule!♥️ Loaded lineup with Young Beautiful Girls : Young Lovely Lori, Baby Selina, Elegant Ella, Magical Mia and Work out🏋🚴💪 Babe Amy! BUY 10 HOURS (GET 11 HOURS) **TODAY'S PICK OF THE DAY IS ELLA**
  25. wonderspa:
    🌺🌺Wonder spa,(9421Jane st unit127)call416-5000-800☎️best massage in vaughan,💄sexy very young girl Sunny natural c cup,very good looking nice body slide😻 🍎long hair Lucy come back,very good strong to relax oil massage, Relieve pain and remove stress,more experience.😍new very beautiful long hair lily,slimy body,amazing touch, back walk,hot stone,popular friendly girl,must try😍😍
  26. EMSpa_schedule:
    Tomorrow's sneak peek: On Thursday April 3, 2025, our attendants will be Ada 🤩, Cici 😍, Vicky 😘, Sophie ☀ and Monica 😘. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book!
  27. yoko:
    sister spa
  28. Soul Relax Spa:
    ✨ Looking for a relaxing escape? ✅ Click Here Meet🌸Tina🌸Mya🌸MonikaCall us today for the best treatment and service experience. Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates ! Call now ☎ 289 - 298 - 5662☎️ Your ultimate relaxation awaits! ✨
  29. Golden Flower Spa:
  30. BlueXado Therapy & Spa:
  31. Pink Flower Spa:
  32. Joseph123456:
    Just relax review
  33. Alibi Massage and Spa:
    Unwind in ALIBI 🥀 this WEDNESDAY: Jasmine, Kay, Jade, Sandy 📞905 212 1222📍1380 Matheson Blvd East, Mississauga
  34. EMSpa_schedule:
    For Wednesday April 2, 2025, our attendants are Sandy 😘, Opal 🥰, Cici 😍, Yoyo 🔥 and Carla ❣. Call us at (905) 479-6668 to book your favourite and head on over to 7665 Kennedy Road, Unit 4, Markham, ON, Canada!
  35. Red Rose Spa:
    🌸 We have 5 hot brown girls today 🌸 PAOLA, AMMU, MONIKA, ANGELINA, NISHA, KIRAN, DIYA, ANGEL 🌸 2588 Birchmount 🌸 2 Invergordon 🌸 647-702-8800 🌸 Please visit for a great erotic massage
  36. Jenny’s Spa:
    🎉🍒JENNY’S SPA🎉🍒 ✅5170 DUNDAS STREET WEST✅ 👌ETOBICOKE ONTARIO M9A 1C4👌 ☎️( 647-893-5196)☎️Call or Text ☎️( 437-888-3759)☎️Call Only (ETOBICOKE) OPEN 10am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅GRAND OPENING💯NEW GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥EXCELLENT MASSAGE + SERVICE QUEENS NOW AVAILABLE AT JENNY’S SPA FOR ALL YOUR MASSAGE AND SPECIAL EXTRA NEEDS🔥💯😘🔥❤️👌 🔥TWO BEAUTIFUL NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS EVERYDAY🔥 💯REAL PICTURES OF ATTENDANTS💯 🔥💋Limited Time Special Promotion🔥💋 ✅💦30 Minutes Nude Massage w
  37. Lily Spa:
    ❤️ KAJAL, ELENA and SUSU are here today for your massage needs ❤️ Lily Spa ❤️ 2190 McNicoll ❤️ Scarborough ❤️ M1V 5M2 ❤️ (647) 531-8288 ❤️
  38. SugarLoveSpa:
    hi today have Susan, Ella, Tifany, Lisa come baby all young beautiful girls
  39. Moneylee:
    All season wellness center : New Young girl big boobs beautiful face deep massage Zoe ,young girl pretty face nice figure Thai deep massage Helen,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament summer ,Young girl Big breasted saucy naughty Ella , Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Sherry ,address: #5-30 Rambler dr Brampton ,Ontario L6W 1E2☎️4376655510 🦵🦵👅👅🈵🈵👄👄
  40. Annie Spa:
    🎉🍒ANNIE SPA🎉🍒 ✅7-1001 SANDHURST CIRCLE✅ 👌SCARBOROUGH ON M1V 1Z6👌 ☎️ (647) 891-9688☎️ ☎️ (416) 291-8879☎️ (FINCH & MCCOWAN) OPEN 9:30am to 9pm MONDAY to SUNDAY 🔥✅NEW MANAGEMENT💯NEW GIRLS🔥🔥 🔥GORGEOUS NEW YOUNG ASIAN GIRLS - TODAY’s ROSTER INCLUDES: 🔥 Feifei😘Our new Taiwanese beauty Feifei specializes in creating an intimate and deeply relaxing massage experience tailored to your desires. Her soft, skilled hands glide effortlessly, easing tension and awakening your senses with
  41. Moneylee:
    Full season wellness center: Young girl Big-breasted big big butts Aris , Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Rose,Young girl big breasted beautiful buttocks charming temperament big boobs Julia ,Young beautiful face sexy body and good deep massage maggie,Enchanting sexy petite deep massage Mary. 🏠 2560 Shepard ave Mississauga unit 1 ☎️ 4379857899 🦵🦵👅👅👄👄🈵🈵
  42. Golden Sunshine Spa:
    ✨Click on our Username and FOLLOW US for updates and special services ! ✅ Click Here Today🌸Akame🌸Christina🌸Camila🌸Lynda🌸Antonela Call us ☎ 905 - 265 - 2158☎️ Your ultimate service awaits! ✨
  43. bnwellness_wilson:
    We have 4 masseuse are working today. Vicky,Mia,Ella and Lina are providing deep tissue massage, pls call 4163985777 book appointment and walk in always welcome, back entrance and parking available. 350 Wilson Ave North York
  44. AliceSpa:
    WEDNESDAY at 𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔 416-298-0898, 4915 Steeles Ave. E, Scarborough 3 very nice girls here today. Open 10am to 9pm: AMY (12pm – 9pm) is a young, petite short & slim Taiwanese, former dance instructor, firm natural B Cups, pretty face, firm natural titis, super play good, bbbj, cim, rim, dfk, all services. APPLE: from Hong Kong, very small body, 5' 100Lbs, petite with natural C Cups
  45. HollywoodSpa:
    Wednesday at 🎭𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗬𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗦𝗣𝗔🎭, 4578 Yonge St, Unit 100, North York, ON: NICOLE & SISI. ☎𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟮𝟮𝟮-𝟱𝟱𝟱𝟰☎ NICOLE is petite, slim and very pretty, with C Cups , long hair & a slim waist. She has nice massage and great services. SISI is a sweet slim beauty, 5’2”, with a beauty ass, excellent massage, and amazing services. Come and see why she is so popular. When you visit 🎭Hollywood
  46. ForeverWarden:
    Wednesday at 🫦❤️🔴🟥♾️𝓕𝓞𝓡𝓔𝓥𝓔𝓡 𝓢𝓟𝓐♾️🟥🔴❤️🫦2190 Warden Ave, Unit 201, Scarborough 𝟰𝟭𝟲-𝟴𝟬𝟬-𝟳𝟴𝟴𝟳: Bella, Cindy & Sasa. Bella is around 5’3” with a thin to medium build, C Cups, and a pleasing personality. She can offer dfk, bbbj and cfs as well as a good massage experience. Cindy is a slim beauty, 5’4”, natural C Cups. Her massage is nice, her services will drive you wild & her finish is a dream
  47. HolidaySpa:
    Wednesday at 🌴😎🌅𝓗𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓭𝓪𝔂 𝓢𝓹𝓪🌅😎🌴3517 Kennedy Rd, Unit 4, Scarborough ☎️𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟮𝟰𝟳-𝟭𝟭𝟵𝟵☎️: EMILY, KIKI & CINDY. EMILY is a VERY tiny petite SPINNER superstar of the highest quality. Emily has a pretty face, natural A Cups, slim waist, and a lovely spinner bottom, topped off with the very best of services. Kiki is very attractive, young, about 5’4” and 110 Lbs., slim with a banging body.
  48. SugarLoveSpa:
    Wednesday at ❤️💙 💜⎝𝗦𝗨𝗚𝗔𝗥 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗣𝗔⎠💖💗💘: ELLA, LISA, SUSAN & TIFFANY. 1270 Finch Ave W (at Keele St), Unit 18. North York, ON ☎ 𝟰𝟯𝟳-𝟯𝟲𝟱-𝟮𝟲𝟴𝟴 ☎ ELLA is a lovely Thai sweetheart, 5’1” with C Cups, smooth skin and a very pleasing attitude. LISA is a cute & petite Thai/Chinese mixed beauty with decent massage skills and liberal services.
  49. luckywellness:
    Lucky Wellness Center 4379721888 295 Eglinton Ave E,Unit 7,Mississauga Niko and Kiki work
  50. Lulu1980:
    Phoenix Blossom Spa 🌹🌹🌹2 girls 🔥🔥🔥5124 Dundas St W Etobicoke☎️416-817-3366👍 New Japanese girl Nina ❤️ Natural Big Boobs 38 DD 😘Pink Mini Nipples Hot body slide, super enjoyable😘😘😘😘 very provocative service😘😘😘, professional super Luna deep tissue massage, has therapeutic effect to loosen bones and relieve muscle pressure and will bring you unexpected service effects, she will bring you a little surprise😍😍😍😍❤️You are welcome to make an appointment at any time or walk in the back
Back
Top