I Tried a Robotic Massage—Here’s What Surprised Me Most

Let's be honest, a robotic massage doesn't exactly scream relaxation. If anything, it sounds like something halfway between a science experiment and a wellness gimmick. And yet, I kept seeing them everywhere, at my gym, on spa menus at high-end hotels, and even popping up in conversations with friends.

Could a machine really replicate a human massage? Or would it feel too robotic, like I was lying on a piece of equipment instead of really unwinding? So when I had the opportunity to try one at a Massage Envy location in New York City, I figured it was worth finding out for myself.

As a personal trainer who’s spent years around recovery treatments and sports massage, and had plenty of massages, I was curious, but definitely skeptical. Would it actually be effective? Would it feel awkward, cold, or weirdly impersonal? Here's my take on the experience, and whether I think it's worth the price.

Just like it sounds, a robotic massage replaces the massage therapist with a machine powered by AI and precision robotics. The system I tried, called the Aescape, is designed to scan your body, map your muscles, and deliver a customized massage based on your preferences. There's no small talk, and you essentially control everything on a tablet.

You’re given a sleek set of athletic clothing made from a fitted, breathable fabric that allows the machine to glide smoothly across your body. Because of the sensors' technology, you have to wear this specific fabric, not your own exercise clothes.

Once you’re face down on the table, the system gets to work. It starts by scanning your body from above, creating a digital map that shows exactly where the massage arms will go. There’s a tablet positioned beneath your face that becomes your control center. From there, you can:

• Adjust pressure and intensity
• Target specific muscle groups
• Skip areas entirely
• Reposition the table

If you’re someone who likes knowing what’s coming next, the visual interface is actually very satisfying. And if you’re not, you can switch to a more relaxing mode with minimal data and calming visuals. But there is one key distinction: You remain on your stomach the entire time, and there’s no flipping over midway through the massage.

The Setup

The whole thing starts a little differently than a traditional massage, as I was given a set of fitted black athletic clothes to change into. I was honestly relieved, not having to wonder what was going on with the “am I going to be naked during this” question.

The table itself was surprisingly comfortable. I’m fairly tall, and it actually accommodated me well. I could adjust things like the headrest, arm position, and leg support right from the tablet, which made it feel more customized than I expected going in. That tablet, by the way, becomes your main interface for everything and is very intuitive to use.

The Technology

Before anything starts, the system scans your body from above and builds a digital map. On the screen, you can literally see a simplified AI outline of yourself and where the robotic arms will work. It gives you a sequence for the massage, and although I didn’t expect to care about that part, there’s something oddly reassuring about knowing what’s coming next.

From there, you control pretty much everything, including pressure, speed, focus areas, and even skipping sections entirely. And if you don’t want to think about any of it, you can just let it run in the background, which I imagine is the whole appeal for many people. I also kept thinking this would be ideal for people who don’t want to talk during a massage.

Upper Body

The massage starts with your upper back and shoulders, and this is where the system feels most limited. It wasn’t bad, but it felt more like gliding and less like a true upper body massage. The pressure was steady and consistent, but it felt a little mechanical.

The “hands” are more like firm, rounded tools than anything that mimics fingers, so in areas like the shoulders, where tension can be more layered and specific, it doesn’t really adapt well. If you’re like me and get a lot of tension in your upper body, this may be the most important part of your massage, and you want the experience to deliver. Also, my favorite part of a regular massage is the hands and scalp work, and this machine doesn’t yet have the advancements to address those areas.

Lower Body

The lower body portion is where things definitely changed for me, in a good way. Once it moved down to my glutes, hamstrings, and lower back, it got really great. The pressure felt deeper and more consistent, which makes sense given that these are larger, flatter muscle groups. There’s less complexity there compared to the shoulders, and the machine seems better suited for that kind of straightforward work.

It was also excellent on my lower back. As someone who regularly does CrossFit, my lower back and legs are where I need the most help with massage and recovery. At one point during this portion, I actually fell asleep because I was so relaxed!

The only downside here is that since you stay face down the whole time, it can’t really reach the front of your legs, which I definitely would have wanted after heavier workouts.

Pros

• Customizable in real time
• Excellent for larger muscle groups like legs and glutes
• Consistent pressure (no variability session to session)
• Comfortable, non-intimidating setup
• Great option post-workout

Cons

• Less effective on complex areas like shoulders and upper back
• No hand, feet, or scalp work
• No flipping over (the entire session is face down)

Yes, but with a caveat. I wouldn’t replace my regular massage with a robotic one. There’s still no substitute for a real massage therapist, especially when it comes to nuanced areas and overall relaxation.

But for targeted relief and recovery, especially after a tough leg day, I’d absolutely book it again. If anything, I’d go in with a more specific mindset next time to just do lower body, lean into what the robotic massage does well, and treat it more like a targeted recovery session.

What also makes it easier to try again is that it’s becoming more accessible: Select Massage Envy locations are piloting the Aescape robotic massage experience and offering short-term unlimited passes at $150 per month, which is a steal. The price can vary depending on where you get the Aescape done, but I’ve seen that these massages go for about $60 for 30 minutes and $120 for a full hour at certain hotels. At that point, the cost starts to feel pretty comparable to a regular massage from an actual massage therapist, which makes it a little harder for me to justify the value of a robotic massage.

That said, I could still see the appeal for quick recovery sessions or post-workout relief, especially if you want something convenient and consistent. Either way, I’ll definitely try it again post-leg day.

Stefani Sassos is a Registered Dietitian, NASM-Certified Personal Trainer, and Women’s Fitness Specialist who serves as director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Nutrition & Fitness Lab. With over a decade of experience in the health and wellness space, she combines her expertise in nutrition and exercise science to evaluate emerging wellness technologies, test fitness equipment, and translate the latest trends into practical, science-backed guidance.