The end of the massage profession: AI robot startup specializing in 'massage' earns 23 million USD in revenue after only 6 months, shaking the 5.6 trillion USD market

"This is the first real-world example of an autonomous AI robot interacting with the human body," CEO Litman proudly announced, introducing AI massage robots that don't get tired, complain, or take sick days.

These days, the 60-gym chain Equinox-USA is attracting a lot of attention when installing Aescape's AI-powered massage robots.

Fortune said the scene of white mechanical arms and a dental clinic-like bed is reminiscent of the not-too-distant future when robots officially replace employees.

This massage robot product is from New York startup Aescape Inc., which has just raised $83 million in funding from names like Valor Equity Partners, NBA All-Star Kevin Love, Fifth Wall and Alumni Ventures.

According to Fortune, this startup is currently valued at around $250 million and is considered to have quite a lot of potential as robots are gradually improving and can increasingly perform massage movements to replace employees.

Although only eight years old, Aescape said it will begin bringing its products to health facilities, hotels and resorts operated by Four Seasons Hotels Ltd and Marriott International Inc. In addition, the company is expanding the application of AI robots to physical therapy, medical applications and professional sports.

Aescape CEO Eric Litman said they will ship 400 more AI-powered massage robots this year to meet market demand.

Customers using Aescape’s AI robot massager will be asked to wear a special stretchy garment made of a smooth material, allowing the camera to build a 3D model of the subject’s body. Next to it will be an LCD screen that displays the control buttons as well as an image of the user’s body, indicating where the robot arm will apply pressure.

However, due to the sensitivity of many areas such as the neck and legs, Aescpae's robot currently only performs massages from the shoulders to the knees, although the startup said it will develop further depending on market demand.

Aescape's Ai massage robot service costs about $60 per 30 minutes and has recorded $23 million in revenue since installing seven units in select Equinox gyms in August 2024.

By comparison, the Massage Envy chain charges $95 for a 60-minute session, plus tips. Not to mention that the robotic arms never tire, complain, or take sick days. While human masseuses have to take breaks or lose strength over time, robots have no such drawbacks.

About founder and CEO Litman, he is a technology entrepreneur who founded and sold mobile analytics startup Medialets to British advertising company WPP Plc. Litman's decision to found Aescape came after the entrepreneur suffered from neck pain for two years, forcing him to get daily massages.

However, the high cost and difficulty in scheduling due to busy schedules made Litman think of building convenient massage robots for people.

5.6 trillion USD

Responding to the New York Post, CEO Litman said he did not want to compete with employees in the industry or try to fire anyone, nor did he want to compete with the traditional massage industry.

The story here is that the US market is short of 29,000 massage therapists according to the International Spa Association (iSPa), and the $5.6 trillion wellness market certainly has room for AI massage robots.

This service is mainly for people who do not have much money to go for massage regularly, or busy customers who do not want to go to the spa.

"This robot is not designed to provide the experience you would have in a spa with a massage therapist. In fact, they are mainly for the general public or to become an auxiliary tool for therapists. However, with the development of technology, anything can happen," said CEO Litman.

According to founder Litman, the sensors will create a 3D model of the user's body, thereby personalizing massage sessions as the AI ​​remembers what customers like each time they use the service.

"Customers can change the pressure, change the music or massage position with just touch buttons," said CEO Litman.

The body contact robot arms are made of soft foam material, with firm pressure, they can effectively stretch the back and legs.

In addition, thanks to the integration of AI and sensors, robots can press the right points on the back, bringing a comfortable feeling to the user.

"This is the first real-world example of an autonomous robot interacting with a human body," CEO Litman proudly said.

According to Markettimes

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/cong-nghe/ngay-tan-nghe-massage-startup-robot-ai-chuyen-dam-bop-thu-ve-23-trieu-usd-doanh-thu-chi-sau-6-thang-thi-truong-5-6-nghin-ty-usd-chan-dong/20250306122526560