San Francisco design studio Whipsaw has created a robot with padded "hands" programmed using artificial intelligence to give massages.
Aescape is an automated machine programmed to give deep-tissue massages. It consists of a pair of metallic arms fixed to a vegan leather-bound massage table.
Its "hands" are covered in silicon pads that simulate the contours of a human hand in order to deliver a customised massage experience to users.
Aescape founder Eric Litman had created an early prototype before commissioning Whipsaw to build the final product, including the arms, massage table and the series of sensors suspended over the machine.
"We were challenged to figure out how to integrate new technologies, define an all-new physical form factor, explore and create the essence of an Aescape brand through color, material, and finishes, and refine every single design detail," Whipsaw founder Dan Harden told Dezeen.
"It's appearance had to look very friendly and approachable, especially considering that robotic arms can be intimidating to some. It also had
to fit all types of user sizes, shapes and ages."
In order to account for all body types, the Aescape system utilises suspended sensors to perform 3D scans of someone's body before the massage is performed.
The sensors were placed inside of light rings in order to alleviate any anxiety by the user that may come from being observed, according to Whipsaw.
The images are then fed into the machine and processed with the user data inputted through a touch screen display placed underneath the recess where a users head rests during the massage.
Drawing from a data set that includes a variety of massage techniques processed through a program that runs on artificial intelligence, which also takes data from each massage to continually improve its processes.
"Every stroke that the robot is commanded to do has been informed by licensed professional massage therapists, many prototype experiments, and years of robotic research," said Harden.
"Furthermore, Aescape employs a formidable amount of AI and machine learning technology, so it is constantly improving and building its database which informs its programming."
According to Aescape, the machine was designed not to replace masseuses but to account for a lack of supply in the massage industry.
"Aescape is much more efficient and sustainable than big groups of massage therapists thatneed lots of health care due to workplace injury," said Aescape.
"Using robotics also reduces the commuting environmental factors like vehicle pollution and energy usage."
Other recent developments in robotics include a machine made with a face consisting of living skin that can simulate a human smile.
Photography courtesy of Aescape.