Tag Archives: Whipsaw Inc.

Would You Want To Be Massaged By Robots? Meet Aescape, a Massage Bot Disrupting the Spa Industry

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San Francisco-based design studio Whipsaw has unveiled its latest innovation, the Aescape—a robotic massage system that merges artificial intelligence with cutting-edge robotics to offer a personalized and efficient massage experience. This groundbreaking product is set to redefine the future of massage therapy, addressing both the demands of users and the constraints faced by the massage industry.

Designer: Whipsaw

The Aescape features metal arms with silicone-covered “hands” that mimic the feel and function of human hands, providing a realistic and soothing massage. The massage table is luxuriously wrapped in vegan faux leather, ensuring comfort and durability. Underneath the headrest lies a user-friendly display, allowing clients to tailor their massage sessions to their specific needs and preferences.

Aescape is engineered to deliver deep-tissue massages with unparalleled precision. The system’s metallic arms are securely attached to the massage table, while silicone pads on the “hands” replicate the natural contours of human hands, enhancing the authenticity of the massage. The innovative design is the brainchild of Aescape founder Eric Litman, who initially created a prototype before collaborating with Whipsaw to develop the final product.

In one of his interviews, Dan Harden, founder of Whipsaw, explained that they were challenged 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. He noted that its appearance had to look very friendly and approachable, especially considering that robotic arms can be intimidating to some. Additionally, it also had to fit all types of user sizes, shapes, and ages.

To cater to diverse body types, the Aescape system uses suspended sensors to perform 3D scans of a user’s body before the massage begins. These sensors are discreetly placed inside light rings to minimize any discomfort or anxiety users might feel about being observed. The collected images and user data are processed through an AI-driven program, which is continuously updated with new data from each massage session. This ensures that every stroke and technique applied by the robot is informed by professional massage therapists and extensive robotic research. The users have a screen below their headrest to even customize their experience and get the most out of it.

The company emphasizes that every stroke the robot is commanded to do has been informed by licensed professional massage therapists, numerous prototype experiments, and years of robotic research. Aescape employs a formidable amount of AI and machine learning technology, enabling it to constantly improve and build its database, which informs its programming.

An Aescape representative mentioned that the machine is designed not to replace human masseuses but to supplement the industry by addressing the shortage of qualified massage therapists. It was stated that Aescape is much more efficient and sustainable than large groups of massage therapists, who often require significant health care due to workplace injuries. Additionally, using robotics reduces commuting-related environmental factors, such as vehicle pollution and energy usage.

The system’s efficiency allows users to enjoy a comprehensive massage in just 30 minutes, fitting seamlessly into busy schedules. With an on-demand booking app, users can easily find and book massage sessions ranging from 15 to 120 minutes, ensuring that personalized care is always within reach.

The post Would You Want To Be Massaged By Robots? Meet Aescape, a Massage Bot Disrupting the Spa Industry first appeared on Yanko Design.

Three unique washing machines to freshen up traditional boring aesthetics with these modern designs!

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Product design and experience innovation company, Whipsaw visualized three washing machine concepts that aim to challenge the status quo of home laundry appliances.

Washing machine designs tend to all blend into each other. Many design aspects of new washing machines are repeated, resulting in a bunch of washing machines that all look the same. Choosing the right one often boils down to only considering each machines’ technical attributes. Whipsaw, a product design, and experience innovation company, recently designed three different washing machine concepts that aim to challenge the status quo of laundry appliance designs.

The first concept from Whipsaw visualizes a machine constructed entirely from metal. The machine’s touchpoints have an icy, stainless steel quality that gives the machine an overall refined and sturdy build. A large, front-facing circular drum takes the load of laundry and a concealed main wash compartment where users can pour their detergent and fabric softener. To the right of the wash compartment, a rectangular steel panel displays information regarding each wash, from the time left in a cycle to the water temperature.

Another concept from Whipsaw takes on a post-modern personality. The pastel-colored washing and drying machines sit on top of one another and have their own distinct looks. The dryer’s drum has a muted yellow door and the washer features a soft periwinkle blue door. The machine’s control panel rounds the circumference of the washing machine’s door, projecting cycle durations and wash options on an LED display.

Lastly, Whipsaw took to the future for the third washing machine concept–designing a foggy, translucent door that would look right at home aboard a spacecraft. The washing machine features a structural build, forest green and gray-white finish with a bright LED control panel just above the main wash compartment where users can choose their wash cycles. The most exciting aspect of this design is the detachable control unit so users can keep track of wash cycles from anywhere around the house.

Designer: Whipsaw

The third concept’s detachable control unit allows users to check on the status of their laundry load from anywhere around the house.

The detachable control unit’s artful design will look right at home in the living room or bedroom.