Did a robot perform a satisfactory massage at a high-end hotel in New York City? We put it to the test.

As soon as I step into the dimly lit spa room, I feel a sense of calm and relaxation, eagerly anticipating the hour-long full-body massage that will leave me feeling rejuvenated and revitalized.

My recent spa appointment at ila Only Spa at the luxurious Lotte New York Palace hotel was unlike any other spa experience I've had.

An AI-powered robot from Aescape, a New York-based lifestyle robotics company, executed the massage that I received in the room, even though a human escorted me there.

In 2017, Eric Litman founded Aescape after attributing his bulging disc in the neck to frequent flying.

He flew so frequently that he required daily massages for several months. This led him to ponder whether there was a more suitable option for individuals who require frequent massages, instead of a day at the spa.

In March, the world's first customizable robot massage was launched after Litman invested $80 million in research and development over seven years.

The Lotte New York Palace is the first hotel to collaborate with Aescape, offering the machine's treatments on July 18. These treatments are also accessible at select Equinox gyms in New York City and the Press Modern Massage in Union Square, as per the company.

Litman stated that Aescape intends to launch numerous partnerships in the near future.

The spa director and licensed massage therapist of the hotel, Tristina Damico, stated that Aescape is an ideal fit for the 900-room Lotte New York Palace, which caters to both business and leisure travelers.

Since its launch, a variety of individuals have made appointments with the robot, including hotel guests and New Yorkers residing or working in Midtown Manhattan. These sessions are frequently scheduled during lunch hours because they are oil-free, she stated.

"It's a quick way to recharge," said Damico.

The Global Wellness Institute, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, predicts that the global wellness market, projected to reach $7.4 trillion by 2025, will have a void filled by making massages bookable on demand, as stated by Litman.

"I was surprised to discover that most people want to address a specific issue with their body when getting massages, but often struggle to achieve the desired pressure and focus."

The founding of Aescape was influenced by the growing demand for massage therapists, according to Litman, despite the fact that the industry and Aescape are vastly different.

Every visit to Aescape's robot is designed to replicate the same experience, regardless of the therapist's style or skill. The robot stores clients' data, which is accessible on every machine.

""We build a massage that learns your physical preferences over time," Litman stated."

What a robot massage feels like

Aescape offers a massage that can be done with clothing for those who feel uncomfortable stripping down in front of a stranger.

An attendant returned to demonstrate the robot's operation after I slipped into Aerwear, the brand's spandex-like apparel designed to reduce friction between the robot and human skin.

I lay face down on a firmer-than-typical spa table with armrests, a footrest, and a tablet beneath a face opening, which I adjusted to suit my comfort level.

Unfortunately, Aescape does not offer leg or foot massages as it only focuses on the back. The system uses sensors to capture 1.2 million data points to map a user's muscle structure before its futuristic arms and knuckles move up and down the back in a consistent parallel motion.

Despite their firmness, the appendages felt warm to the touch. A screen displayed every movement of my massage, enabling me to adjust the pressure.

While I usually prefer moderate pressure from massage therapists, Aescape's middle setting felt too intense for me. For most of my massage, I could tolerate the lowest force from the robot. However, I comfortably cranked up the device to high during the glute portion toward the end of the massage.

I could pause the robot and shift, lift my head, or get up for a quick stretch by pressing a button, as I sensed the machine's movements coinciding with my breathing.

Aescape could be advantageous for travelers seeking brief, adaptable spa treatments. The robot may also attract individuals searching for more affordable massages that are simple to schedule — Aescape sessions are reserved through an app. The cost is $75 for a 30-minute massage at Lotte New York Palace.

Although my appointment was initially delayed due to device maintenance, the robot was operational the next day.

Although I find relief from human touch, the AI-driven robot did not provide the same results for me.

Although the session wasn't as relaxing as a spa day, it was a fun break from the hustle and bustle of Midtown Manhattan.