# Robot Masseur WAO-1 Massage Machine By jelalyn | Published 2007-10-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-masseur-to-invade-spas-and-hospitals References: [express4me](http://express4me.com/news/international/japan/) Japanese scientists have just invented a contraption to give [facial therapeutic massages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joanna-czechs-facial-massager) across the country's spas and hospitals. The WAO-1 robot (Waseda Asahi Oral Rehabilitation Robot 1) is designed to give fine massages, including facial ones for those with [jaw-related illnesses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arm-rehabilitation-robot). The robot was designed by Atsuo Takanishi and does a much more thorough job that [coin operated machine chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-arte-up-massage-chair). Great for anyone who doesn't like others invading their personal space, but not so great for the good old masseur and masseuse, or lovers of the traditional massage experience. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robot Masseur:** The rise of robotic massage machines in spas and hospitals worldwide. - **Facial Therapeutic Massage:** A specialized form of robot massage for patients with jaw-related illnesses and injuries. - **Self-care Technology:** The shift towards technology-based solutions for personal wellness and relaxation. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare:** Opportunity for healthcare facilities to incorporate robot masseurs and specialized massage machines for patient recovery and relaxation. - **Spa and Wellness:** Opportunity for spas and wellness centers to offer unique and innovative self-care treatments through the use of robot masseurs and technology-based solutions. - **Consumer Electronics:** Opportunity for companies to develop and market personal robot massage machines and other self-care technology for home use. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Personalilzed Robotic Massages](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-massages.md) - [AI-Powered Bedside Massage Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/massager-robot.md) - [Automated Neck Massage Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moza-ai-robohands.md) - [Folding At-Home Massage Chairs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-massage-chair.md) - [AI-Powered Body Massagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rheofit-a1.md) - [Fully Autonomous AI Masseurs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robosculptor.md) - [AI-Powered Customizable Massage Tables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customizable-massage-table.md) - [Skincare Support Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lg-cloi-mister-robot.md) - [De-Stressing Wearable Massagers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/am1.md)