Exploring Aescape Robot Massage
In a dimly lit room, I’m lying face down on a massage table. Megan Thee Stallion’s “Mamushi” plays softly in the background, while two large white circles move across the outline of my body on a screen. Is this what a late-night visit to an exclusive German sex club feels like?
Nope, it’s just a Tuesday afternoon in a suburban shopping center, and I’m experiencing a massage from an Aescape robot.
Aescape claims to be a “pioneering lifestyle robotics company” looking to change the wellness scene with innovative massage solutions. To put it simply, they’ve engineered robotic massage tables equipped with two robotic arms that adjust to your preferences.
I’m a big fan of massages—there’s nothing like having my body worked on, sort of like kneading steak. I decide to go for a 30-minute “Power Up” session, which is $60 and promises an invigorating experience.
According to the Mayo Clinic Health System, massage therapy can aid with a range of issues like anxiety, depression, sports injuries, and more. It can also boost circulation, lower stress levels, and help with energy levels. But, the pressing question remains: can a robotic massage really compare to one from a human?
Crista de la Garza, a Colorado-based massage therapist, echoes this concern. She has a massage chair at home and uses a Theragun, but she’s not worried about robots taking over the profession. There’s undeniable value in human touch, especially during isolating times like the pandemic when many people felt a lack of physical connection—often described as “skin hunger.”
A 2024 study published in the journal Nature emphasized that touch is vital for mental well-being, showing that interventions via touch reduced feelings of pain and depression. However, robot-mediated touch delivered fewer mental health benefits compared to a human’s.
De la Garza points out that being touched appropriately by a person can be very therapeutic.
Aescape states on its website that it’s not aiming to replace therapists, but rather to supplement their skills and address labor shortages in the industry.
When I arrive for my appointment, the receptionist, efficient and blonde, tells me that human touch is irreplaceable. I’m late due to parking, but the robot doesn’t seem to mind. The environment resembles a typical spa, offering manicures, pedicures, and standard massages.
On our way to the robot’s chamber, she mentions the service has been popular with clients who are uncomfortable receiving touch from strangers.
Inside, I’m given Aescape-branded workout clothes to wear during the massage, which are supposedly meant to help with the machine’s body mapping. After changing, I lie down as the robot scans me. I’m shown how to control the settings and an emergency button in case anything goes awry.
Once I’m ready, a menu of choices appears before me—music options ranging from lo-fi jazz to a rather odd playlist called “brat.” I can view a rather detailed outline of my body, perhaps too detailed, alongside calming visuals like ocean waves or snowy mountains. I can adjust everything, including the height of the headrest and the pressure of the massage.
De la Garza expresses skepticism about robot massages, suggesting that they require too much focus. With a human, you can let go; your only job is to breathe and relax. I find myself preoccupied with choosing music and scenery, constantly second-guessing my choices. Is that what my backside really looks like? Just a tad unsettling.
Some friends have voiced concerns about the machine potentially being too rough. My worry was the opposite—would it be strong enough to ease my tense muscles?
Surprisingly, the robot massage turns out to be quite pleasant. The hands, though not as precise as human fingers, warm up and provide a soothing sensation. In fact, they have a knob-like shape, which feels somewhat like a fist pressing into my back.
By the end of the session, I feel more relaxed, even if not exactly invigorated. I think I could easily fall asleep right here.
While it wasn’t a perfect replacement for a traditional session, I appreciate the robot’s efficiency. I miss the targeted precision of human massage—especially for my head, hands, and feet—but it’s good to know that if I’m achy after a workout or find myself with spare time in a shopping center, I can opt for this quick, affordable option without the tipping hassle.
