The world's best massage that leaves people in 'heaven' - but it's not a human who gives it
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For those for whom artificial intelligence conjures up frightening images of malevolent machines taking over the world, it’s probably the worst place to be – laying face-down while a robot presses on your neck. But this is one of the ways AI will soon be helping us to feel more relaxed. Not many would think a computer rub-down could beat the human touch, but AI-enhanced massage machines are said to soothe muscle knots mere mortals would struggle to even locate.
One firm, Aescape, based in New York and LA, claims its AI robots provide the world’s most advanced massage. Many who have tried it agree. The machine scans the person’s body for a million 3D data points to map out their body and identify key anatomical points for targeted massage.
It also learns about the person’s body and preferences as it does the treatment, offering personalised options such as a stress-reducing recovery session, depending on what issues it finds. And the next time that person has a massage, it will remember the last session, adapting and continuing the treatment.
One first-time user said: “Each part of my body had four to six minutes of attention as it... broke up knots. I was in heaven.” Experts think we’ll soon all be able to have robotic massage therapists at home, monitoring stress levels and relieving tension when needed.
It’s not the only way AI is being harnessed to improve our wellbeing. There are also self-care or therapy chatbots – phone apps you can talk to – helping people cope with feelings of depression and anxiety, offering advice on how to respond to challenging situations. One, Woebot, checks in with people every day and guides them through practical techniques.
