Could we consider handing over our personal care routines to automated devices? In Los Angeles, AI-driven gadgets are powering two of the most recent wellness and beauty services, offering instant massages or expertly applied false eyelashes in under an hour.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve recently discovered the wonders of Aescape’s robot-powered massages. This innovative service, priced at $60 for 30 minutes, is now available at Pause in Studio City and Equinox gyms in New York. The two-armed robot bed provides a customized massage for up to an hour, allowing clients to control the pressure, switch muscles, or linger on problem areas through an integrated screen. It’s no surprise that it has been well-received by people in the entertainment industry, as founder and CEO Eric Litman explains. With its partnership with Equinox expanding significantly this year, and a recent $83 million investment from Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in SpaceX, Tesla, Slack, and Grubhub), Aescape’s total funding now stands at $128 million. It also boasts partnerships with luxury hotels like Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, Marriott, and Remedy Place. By the end of the year, I expect at least three more locations in Los Angeles and around two in most states. This gaming enthusiast can’t wait to experience this futuristic massage service!
In the meantime, Luum Precision Lash based in Oakland is confident that individuals will let AI-operated robots perform their eyelash extensions. Gaining popularity on TikTok, these machines are expected to make an appearance at around six Nordstrom or Ulta stores in the Los Angeles area by this summer, as stated by president Jo Lawson to THR.
As a gamer, I’ve been eyeing the latest addition to my beauty routine – getting a full set of lashes at one of those fancy machines named Jaclyn, Farrah, Kate, or Drew (a nod to the Charlie’s Angels stars). These babies are stationed at Nordstrom in San Jose and Luum’s office, setting me back $170 for the initial application, with refills costing a more affordable $80. They’re also testing these pop-ups at a nearby Ulta. The company is working diligently to set up their L.A. outposts in collaboration with these existing retail partners. Recently, they managed to secure a whopping $30 million in their Series A round, backed by investors like John Heffner (former Drybar CEO), Lori Bush (ex-Rodan + Fields CEO), and David Watson (former CEO of skin-care brand Philosophy).
Both approaches retain a personal touch, as their leaders hasten to clarify. “People express worries about automation’s role in society and its effects on individuals,” Litman notes. Aescape continues to employ human massage therapists for treatment plan development, along with someone to offer a friendly greeting at the reception desk.
Luum’s Lawson contends that robots can alleviate the persistent pain often experienced by lash artists, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, and back pain caused by prolonged repetitive actions and hunching over clients. For every two and a half human lash artists they employ, Luum hires a robot. Additionally, they collaborate with beauty professionals to influence the software and hardware of the technology, ensuring that there is still room for artistic expression, like adding colorful strands to a client’s look. Lawson further explains that while the robots take over the physically taxing work, lash artists can maintain their connection with clients without having to perform the strenuous tasks themselves.
An earlier form of this tale was published in the March 6 edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To stay updated, consider subscribing.
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2025-03-09 21:25