I Got a Massage From a Robot – Here’s the Real Worth!

According to INSEE, 80% of the French population complain of back pain, and I’m definitely one of them. The reasons? Daily mental stress, advancing age, or poor posture at the computer. Although I love getting massages at spas and wellness centers, they can be quite expensive, averaging around 80 euros for an hour-long session.

So, when I found out that it was possible to get a massage from a robot powered by artificial intelligence for 1 to 3 euros per minute, I thought, why not? After all, we live in a modern era, and AI is everywhere.

I made my way to the Epigenetic House in Paris to experience a massage with IYU (that’s the robot’s nickname). At first, I was slightly disappointed, expecting a humanoid robot, somewhat like R2-D2 turning into a massage therapist. However, IYU looked more like a giant articulated arm, similar to a kitchen robot arm… except it doesn’t chop vegetables; it massages my back. Despite being told it mimics the movements of a human hand, I was skeptical about it going over my back without causing discomfort.

My confidence quickly returned as I set up the session parameters on the touchscreen (duration, pressure, contraindications). I lay down on the heated table, and the session began. IYU started by scanning my body to tailor its movements. The arm then touched my back. After the initial feeling akin to being scanned by an MRI machine, the sensation turned pleasant. The arm adjusted to the movements of my body and my breathing. With a remote control, I could adjust the pressure. Finally, I felt a sense of relief.

After 30 minutes, the arm stopped, and a buzzer indicated that the session was over. It was time for a review. Yes, it was effective. I felt more relaxed, but the robotic session lacked the human warmth, an essential element of well-being in my view. I couldn’t ask IYU to focus on a specific area of my body (my neck could have used more attention). Adjusting the pressure with a remote control, like adjusting the volume on a TV, felt less personal than a practitioner’s caring inquiries like “Are you comfortable?”, “Are you warm enough?”, “Is everything alright?”

However, I must admit that for those who need regular massages or who are uncomfortable with human touch, IYU is an excellent alternative. Plus, as it’s a robot, many time slots are available. From a technological standpoint, it is cutting-edge. It was designed using AI algorithms that digitized the movements of therapists and physiotherapists. The technology even led to a patent.

So, is the future of massage in a machine? I might not go that far, but it is a fantastic supplement for those looking for regular, accessible massages.