I pitted an AI robot massage against the real thing

An Aescape robot provides an AI-powered massage. (Image: Aescape)

Sun, 13 Jul 2025

By Dawn GilbertsonThe spa attendant ticked off a few instructions ahead of my 11.15am massage. Change into this wetsuit-like outfit. Pull your hair back. Hit the start button whenever you’re ready.“It’ll do a couple of onboarding things,’’ she said, “and then you’re good to go.’’ Onboarding? Was this a new-hire orientation or a hotel-spa appointment?I had signed up for a new robot massage at the W Scottsdale. The 241-room hotel in the downtown entertainment district of Scottsd...

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