Artificial intelligence massage therapy? Meet the robot being studied by Mayo Clinic

This is EMMA. EMMA stands for expert manipulative massage automation. It’s a robot designed to give a therapeutic form of massage called Tuina (twee-nah). Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, is currently studying the use of Tuina for patients with chronic nonspecific lower back pain. That’s where EMMA or robotic massage could help by supplementing some of the work. EMMA’s artificial intelligence system uses sensors to measure muscle stiffness and calculate the acupoints in each person’s body. Mayo Clinic is hoping to lead the way by conducting clinical evaluations of EMMA. ____________________________________________ For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where other safety protocols were followed. FOR THE PUBLIC: More health and medical news on the Mayo Clinic News Network. FOR THE MEDIA ONLY: Register at to access clean and nat sound versions of this video on the Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram: Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook: Follow Mayo Clinic on Twitter: