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FITNESS, HEALTH, WELLNESS

Product innovation

Aescape kicks off global rollout of massage robotics with New York City spa partnership

As a New York startup, we’re honoured to make our hospitality debut at this landmark hotel in the city
– Eric Litman
Credit: Aescape

New York-based lifestyle robotics company Aescape has brought its AI-driven massage experiences to Manhattan, following the announcement of its global hotel debut at ila Only Spa, located in luxury hotel Lotte New York Palace.

Aescape was launched earlier this year after seven years of research and development by specialists in connected hardware and fitness – team members previously hailed from top companies including Amazon, Apple, FitBit, MakerBot, Uber, Peloton and Tonal.

The company's automated massage technology leverages advanced AI to create a 3D computational model of each user, providing a personalised massage experience tailored specifically to their body.

“The Lotte New York Palace is iconic, maintaining its storied elegance while evolving to keep guests happy,” said Aescape founder and CEO, Eric Litman.

“We share a mission to bring customers and guests a wellness-forward experience designed to meet their needs. As a New York startup, we’re honoured to make our hospitality debut at this landmark hotel in the city.”

The partnership marks Aescape's official entry into the market, ahead of its upcoming collaboration with Equinox, which will see it roll out its technology at select locations across New York.

Since the launch of its Early Access Program at PRESS Modern Massage in Union Square, the company has attracted a growing waitlist of people eager to try the unique experience.

Looking ahead, Aescape plans to announce additional partnerships with global leaders in hospitality, professional sports, corporate offices and luxury real estate over the next year.

About Aescape

Founded in 2017 by four-time entrepreneur Eric Litman, the company is backed by US$80 million in funding from investors including Valor Siren Ventures and Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX), Crosslink Capital and AlleyCorp.

Company Details
Aescape
Aescape modernizes spa operations by providing a solution to the current 29,000 massage therapist labor shortage. Our technology offers 24/7 access to personalized massage services, extending service hours and expanding audience reach to ensure that wellness and recovery options remain available even outside traditional therapist availability.
Address
581 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
New York-based lifestyle robotics company Aescape has brought its AI-driven massage experiences to Manhattan, following the announcement of its global hotel debut at ila Only Spa, located in luxury hotel Lotte New York Palace.
2024/THUMB353925_227223_33528.jpg

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Product innovation

Aescape kicks off global rollout of massage robotics with New York City spa partnership

As a New York startup, we’re honoured to make our hospitality debut at this landmark hotel in the city
– Eric Litman
Credit: Aescape

New York-based lifestyle robotics company Aescape has brought its AI-driven massage experiences to Manhattan, following the announcement of its global hotel debut at ila Only Spa, located in luxury hotel Lotte New York Palace.

Aescape was launched earlier this year after seven years of research and development by specialists in connected hardware and fitness – team members previously hailed from top companies including Amazon, Apple, FitBit, MakerBot, Uber, Peloton and Tonal.

The company's automated massage technology leverages advanced AI to create a 3D computational model of each user, providing a personalised massage experience tailored specifically to their body.

“The Lotte New York Palace is iconic, maintaining its storied elegance while evolving to keep guests happy,” said Aescape founder and CEO, Eric Litman.

“We share a mission to bring customers and guests a wellness-forward experience designed to meet their needs. As a New York startup, we’re honoured to make our hospitality debut at this landmark hotel in the city.”

The partnership marks Aescape's official entry into the market, ahead of its upcoming collaboration with Equinox, which will see it roll out its technology at select locations across New York.

Since the launch of its Early Access Program at PRESS Modern Massage in Union Square, the company has attracted a growing waitlist of people eager to try the unique experience.

Looking ahead, Aescape plans to announce additional partnerships with global leaders in hospitality, professional sports, corporate offices and luxury real estate over the next year.

About Aescape

Founded in 2017 by four-time entrepreneur Eric Litman, the company is backed by US$80 million in funding from investors including Valor Siren Ventures and Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX), Crosslink Capital and AlleyCorp.

Company Details
Aescape
Aescape modernizes spa operations by providing a solution to the current 29,000 massage therapist labor shortage. Our technology offers 24/7 access to personalized massage services, extending service hours and expanding audience reach to ensure that wellness and recovery options remain available even outside traditional therapist availability.
Address
581 6th Ave, New York, NY 10011
New York-based lifestyle robotics company Aescape has brought its AI-driven massage experiences to Manhattan, following the announcement of its global hotel debut at ila Only Spa, located in luxury hotel Lotte New York Palace.
2024/THUMB353925_227223_33528.jpg

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HPO Tech has created a single-seat hyperbaric chamber, called Oyster, with an acrylic domed lid
Manduka, a leading manufacturer of premium yoga mats has launched its P/ROX hybrid fitness mat,
Nilo Spa Design has launched a dry flotation bed called Marea that uses 500 litres
What does a premium body composition experience actually look like? It starts with the measurement itself.
Gharieni Group has launched a new company, Cobotics Innovations, to create automated wellness experiences. The
Tanita Europe has launched the MC-800, a next-generation segmental body composition analyser designed to advance
One of the biggest mistakes operators in the fitness industry still make is advertising almost
Indoor cycling brand Wattbike has launched the latest edition of the AtomX, its commercial smart
The Morozko Mineral Bath with Hydrogen offers a plunge experience in an elliptical stainless steel
Fold’s new Studio Reformer has been engineered for everyday use in commercial environments. At its
Fitbench has launched Fitbag, a gloveless boxing bag which has been designed to replace traditional
A waterfall massage jet shower by Werner Dosiertechnik (WDT) enables operators to deliver cold therapy
Sona is an AI-powered vagus nerve stimulator designed to address stress and burnout. Spearheaded by
As healthcare continues to shift towards prevention, there’s a growing focus on helping people stay
Gym Gear has introduced the HIITMax Training Station to help operators deliver structured high-intensity interval
Celebrating its milestone fifth anniversary, W3Fit EMEA returns in 2026 with an unmissable gathering of
Sauna specialist Effe (formerly Effegibi) has introduced its new sauna and hammam collection, Baluar, designed
A new digital interface is being hailed as ‘revolutionary’ for the leisure, health and wellness
HPO Tech has added a new model to its Zeugma hyperbaric chamber portfolio, the Zeugma
With  Elevate 2026   fast approaching, leisure and physical activity professionals are being encouraged to
Active Blackpool is deploying Cornerstone Connect, a new digital interface allowing disparate information from multiple
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Pulse Fitness press release: Pulse Fitness’ Trakk ecosystem supports Walsall Leisure in driving community engagement and delivering measurable ROI
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