The AI takeover has charged into the wellness space with the launch of Aescape’s robotic massages at the Lotte New York Palace hotel. Olivia Palamountain reports
The Lotte New York Palace hotel has partnered with tech startup Aescape to introduce the world’s first commercially available, fully automated robot massage experience.
Available at the hotel’s ila Only Spa, this next-gen massage uses AI technology to create a unique 3D computational model of each user, ensuring a tailored and personalised experience.
Aescape’s on-demand booking app allows users to browse locations (a second location, NYC’s Press Modern Massage, debuts soon), check availability and choose their ideal massage duration, from 15 – 120 mins.
Prices for the robot massage begin at US$75 – significantly less than a manual massage from a human.
Joe Rose, owner of ila Only Spa at Lotte New York Palace, says in a statement: “Aescape’s innovative approach to massage is adding to our wellness-forward amenities, and we look forward to bringing our guests a completely new massage experience.”
Aescape, launched in early 2024 after seven years of intensive research and development, includes a team of experts with backgrounds from tech giants such as Amazon, Apple, FitBit, MakerBot, Uber, Peloton and Tonal.
This partnership marks Aescape’s entry into the hospitality and lifestyle market, however, the startup has also secured a deal with Equinox and plans to expand its presence across various sectors, including professional sports, corporate offices and luxury real estate.
“The Lotte New York Palace is iconic, maintaining its storied elegance while evolving to keep guests happy,” says Aescape Founder and CEO, Eric Litman.
“We share a mission to bring customers and guests a wellness-forward experience designed to meet their needs. As a New York startup, we’re honoured to make our hospitality debut at this landmark New York hotel.”
This development signals a potential revolution in the massage industry and underscores the increasing intersection of technology and wellness in the luxury hospitality sector.