I got a $99 massage from an AI robot and will probably never do it again. Here's why, and what surprised me the most.

I recently had a unique encounter with an AI-powered massage that left me with mixed feelings. The real excitement began with the accompanying tablet. Initially, I felt a bit apprehensive about my AI masseuse. Before the session, I was instructed to wear a snug gray bodysuit, which felt reminiscent of an alien costume. Upon entering the spa, which had an aesthetic likened to an alien spaceship, I noticed the facility was mostly empty. My quest for relaxation brought me to an AI massage at Remedy Place Spa in New York City, an intriguing concept developed by Aescape, which became available in early 2024. This high-tech spa is part of a growing trend in wellness that integrates automation, offering services like hyperbaric chambers and lymphatic compression. Aescape is already making waves with its technology, now present in over 100 locations across the U.S. and having partnered with Tom Brady to enhance its offerings. The rise of AI and robotics in wellness reflects a broader trend toward automation, with some companies even using robots for cosmetic procedures and manicures. Before my experience at Remedy Place, I was reviewing spas as a freelancer, and when I was offered a complimentary AI massage, I jumped at the opportunity. Typically priced at $99 for an hour, it seemed like a chance to explore a new frontier in relaxation. Much to my surprise, I found myself listening to "Coconuts" by Kim Petras while the robotic hands worked on my hamstrings. Even more astonishing was the entire ambiance of the spa. After being welcomed with a bottle of artisan water sourced from New Zealand, I was given a tour of the sleek, modern space, which felt like stepping into a futuristic realm. The design featured dim lighting and organic shapes, with lush plants strategically placed throughout. Many services were offered in private rooms, while communal areas like cold plunge tubs added a unique touch. I even spotted someone working on a laptop inside a hyperbaric chamber, which felt like witnessing an otherworldly scene. When I finally reached the AI massage room, I was greeted by a setup that appeared simpler than the rest of the spa suggested. It was essentially a standard massage table equipped with two robotic arms and a tablet positioned for my use. After donning the bodysuit, I lay down for a body scan. Moments later, a 3D image of my body appeared on the tablet screen, a jarring visual that prepared me for the massage. The attendant explained that the scan allowed the robot to tailor the experience. Once alone, I was able to adjust settings via the tablet. As the robot began its work, I initially tensed up, hoping my kind words to AI in the past would earn me some favor. Surprisingly, as it mimicked a Swedish massage, I found myself relaxing. The touchscreen below my face displayed the massage in real-time, showing which areas were being worked on and the techniques being applied. The interface allowed me to customize my experience further, with options for music and visuals that turned my massage into a personal retreat. From hip-hop to rain sounds, I could select the ambiance I preferred. Eventually, I settled on calming music and a black screen to create a more traditional massage environment. While the robotic touch was soothing, I still found myself flinching in sensitive areas. When the session concluded, I surprisingly realized that I still preferred the human touch. Although the AI massage offered a unique experience free from the usual small talk, nothing could compare to the instinctive adjustments and emotional presence of a skilled human masseuse. While the AI experience is an interesting alternative for those seeking solitude and control, I don't foresee myself returning anytime soon. Have you had a similar experience with AI technology? Feel free to share your thoughts!