Robot hands vs. human hands: mayo clinic pits EMMA massager against real therapists

NCT ID NCT07042776

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study at Mayo Clinic compares a new electronic massager called EMMA to a standard massage from a licensed therapist. Twenty adults will receive both types of back massage and report which they prefer. The goal is to see if the robot is practical and satisfying enough to use regularly.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

electronic massager (EMMA)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that a robotic massager is a practical and satisfying alternative to a human massage therapist.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early feasibility study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The robot may not match the comfort or skill of a human therapist.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic

    RECRUITING

    Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••