Massaging robots arrive in Richmond
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Where the magic happens. Photo: Sabrina Moreno/Axios
It's not every day you get to don a wetsuit and listen to Cardi B while a robot removes the knots in your back with its heated hooves.
Why it matters: If the machines are taking over, they might as well massage us.
The big picture: The only place in Richmond to get a robot rubdown is at The Feel Better Lounge, located right between a Taco Bell and Vietnamese spot, 88 Street Food.
- Aescape rolled out its AI-powered massage bot there in November, and, fun fact, even VCU's men's basketball players have used it.
How it works: Book a 15-to-60-minute session online ($50-$125). I went for the full hour.
- After signing a hefty waiver (which may or may not say I can't sue a robot, I didn't fully read), I suited up in skin-tight neck-to-ankle attire reminiscent of Kim Kardashian's "SKIMS" collection.
- The spandex-like suit helps the robot map your body into 3-D scan while you lie face down — revealing what you'd look like in a human anatomy textbook.
- Then you pick your settings: Pressure, focus areas, brightness and soundtrack. They can be changed at any time.
What's next: The hooves — government name: aerpoints — get to work.
Zoom in: You can also stare at rain, snow, waves or the robot's movements on the screen. I opted for all of them because I'm nothing if not indecisive.
- And the machine offers suggested playlists that include top 40 hits, lo-fi and hip-hop.
- That's how I ended up listening to "WAP" by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion while the hooves gave me a glute rub.
Pros: Customizable and low-stakes.
- You can skip sections, there's an emergency button within reach if the robot gets too handsy (hooves-y? Kidding.), and if you need to move, the robot instantly stops.
- It's also a win for the people pleasers who hate asking masseurs to adjust pressure.
- If I could get this massage every time the gym makes me sore, I would — especially since it remembers what you liked, and didn't, the last time.
Cons: There's no "front" massage, which might actually be a pro because being able to see the robotic arms touch you feels like a "Black Mirror" episode.
- Also: the glute rub (ouch).
The bottom line: If robots want to earn our trust, starting with warm hooves and a back rub isn't a bad strategy.
