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Vào tuần trước, Aescape, một công ty khởi nghiệp trong ngành sức khỏe, đã tiến hành thử nghiệm dịch vụ massage sử dụng robot trí tuệ nhân tạo (AI) tại Los Angeles. Công nghệ này hứa hẹn sẽ là một bước đột phá cho những ai yêu thích massage, đồng thời thay đổi cách mọi người tiếp cận việc chăm sóc sức khỏe và thư giãn.Lịch sử hình thành của startup sức khoẻ Aescape
Aescape was founded in 2017 by Eric Litman, who suffered from a herniated disc and often found it difficult to schedule personal massage sessions during his business trips. These challenges led Litman to create a completely different massage experience: automatic and customizable. This shaped the company's mission to offer personalized health care solutions through robots, addressing issues like staff shortages and inconsistent service quality. As of November 2023, Aescape has raised $85 million from investors in the technology, health, and hospitality sectors.
Los Angeles Times reporter experiences the serviceExperience of AI Robot Massage
The Aescape massage session begins when the user wears a specialized suit designed to optimize therapy without the need for traditional massage oils. The process starts with four high-resolution infrared sensors scanning the user's body to create a 3D map with 1.2 million data points. This map helps the robot accurately identify the areas on the body to perform the massage as per the user's request.
3D sensors scan the user's body to create a map of areas that need massageNext, the robot's 'hands' are equipped with a heating function to simulate traditional techniques such as kneading with the edge or palms of the hands. Users can select different massage areas, such as 'full back and glutes' or 'lower back, glutes, and hamstrings.' Meanwhile, the massage table allows users to adjust the intensity of the massage through a touch screen. The robot's movements are precise, applying the right amount of pressure to relax sore muscles and relieve tension.
Mattress for users to relax with and a touchscreen to customize the massage processCurrently, the massage robot cannot automatically detect muscle tension points like a human therapist. However, the experience it provides is similar to that of a high-end massage chair, with much greater accuracy and effectiveness in reducing muscle pain and tension. The service provided by Aescape allows users to personalize it according to their preferences, and it operates 24/7. This enables users to easily schedule a session and enjoy relaxation without worrying about timing. Furthermore, those who prefer silence during the massage will not be disturbed by any conversations.
The massage table with the robot arm developed by Aescape
However, this AI-powered robot massage service still lacks the warmth and interaction of a human physical therapist. Additionally, the cost is quite high: $60 for a 30-minute session or $120 for an hour-long experience.
Aescape's Expansion Plans
Aescape is rapidly expanding across the United States. Currently, the company's robot massage tables are operating in cities like New York, Miami, Baltimore, Nashville, and more. The company plans to install these robotic massage tables in spas, hotels, fitness centers, and offices nationwide. Users can search for the nearest Aescape table and book a session through the app.In addition to expanding locations, Aescape is continuously updating its software to improve the user experience. A notable feature currently being developed is the ability to automatically detect muscle tension points on the body. Upcoming updates will also include new massage techniques and a variety of music playlists to enhance the relaxation experience.
Aescape's AI massage robot offers a glimpse into the future of healthcare technology. While it cannot fully replace human therapists—especially for those who value emotional interaction during a massage—it provides an effective and convenient alternative for personalized therapy sessions.
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