The surge in the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has brought an unexpected challenge to the forefront. Despite being the third-largest EV market in the nation, Los Angeles and its surrounding areas face a critical shortage of charging infrastructure. A recent study by real estate giant CBRE has dubbed this region a “charging desert,” highlighting the growing disparity between EV ownership and accessible charging options.

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What is a ‘charging desert’ and how was it discovered?

With an advanced digital mapping tool, CBRE assessed EV charging needs nationwide to help its clients. The tool’s purpose was to inform charging networks and property owners to locate and select the optimal locations to install new EV chargers.

This digital mapping tool combines data from approximately 80 sources, from mobile phones and housing type to EV ownership, to name a few. Comparing these sources gave CBRE valuable insights, such as whether most EV owners charge their vehicles at home or work.

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Electric vehicle at a charging station (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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LA’s charging deserts: Key areas lacking sufficient EV infrastructure

The tool revealed that parts of L.A. have significant charging deserts, which are areas where there are not enough public, accessible fast-charging stations to meet the needs of the area. These areas include:

• Inglewood
• Long Beach
• Sherman Oaks
• Studio City
• Lomita
• Southwest Torrance
• Westwood (UCLA)
• Fullerton (Cal State Fullerton)
• Redondo Beach

Electric vehicle at a charging station (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Why are there ‘charging deserts’?

A variety of factors lead to a “charging desert,” including but not limited to a strong rental market in which most people do not have the ability to charge in their homes. 

For example, Inglewood is made up of almost 70% of renters. And despite more than 1,000 registered EVs in the area and even more driving through daily, there are no public chargers in that area. Additionally, there are issues of inadequate power infrastructure, such as electrical substations for distributing additional power. Also, in densely populated urban areas like L.A., limited parking space makes it challenging to install charging stations.

However, Los Angeles is installing EV chargers on light poles to help meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

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Electric vehicle at a charging station (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Challenges of EV charging infrastructure in the US

The electric vehicle (EV) market in the U.S. is witnessing significant growth, with over 1 million EVs sold last year, marking a record high. However, the share of electric vehicles in light-vehicle sales has seen a slight decline, dropping from 8.1% in Q4 2023 to 7% in Q1 2024, as reported by Cox Automotive. Despite this dip, research indicates a “second, significant wave” of potential EV buyers is anticipated in the latter half of the decade.

CBRE’s recent analysis underscores the considerable gap that remains in the charging infrastructure necessary to facilitate this shift, emphasizing the urgency for enhanced investment and development in EV charging solutions.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Even though Los Angeles has nearly 588,000 EVs registered to make up 4.2% of the cars being driven, there are huge gaps in readily available EV charging options. Though the city of L.A. is working to help meet this demand by installing chargers on light poles, L.A. and the rest of the U.S. have a long way to go before having the infrastructure to support America’s shift from gasoline-powered vehicles.

Do you have an EV? If so, has charging been a challenge? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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House of the Dragon has just concluded its second season, but we now know there are two more to look forward to. As reported by Variety, House of the Dragon showrunner and co-creator Ryan Condal confirmed during a press event that the series would have four seasons in total, with the third expected to go into production in “earlyish 2025.”

This is the first time that HBO has confirmed how many seasons the Game of Thrones prequel will have, but the network hasn’t revealed how many episodes remain. “I haven’t had discussions with HBO about it,” Condal said when asked whether Season 3 will have eight episodes, matching that of its second season. “I would just anticipate the cadence of the show, from a dramatic storytelling perspective, will continue to be the same from Season 2 on.”

That estimate is a smidge below what “A Song of Ice and Fire” author George R.R. Martin previously suggested. In 2022, he said that House of the Dragon would likely require four 10-episode-long seasons to “do justice to the Dance of the Dragons, from start to finish.” Viewers may also have a lengthy wait ahead of them given the almost two-year gap between the first two seasons, but the upcoming A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms series — yet another Game of Thrones prequel — should help to keep fans sated when it premieres next year.

Imagine this scenario. You’ve just finished a grueling workout at the gym or checked into a swanky hotel. Your muscles are aching, and all you want is a good massage. But instead of booking a session with a human masseuse, you’re directed to a high-tech pod that promises to knead away your stress using artificial intelligence. Welcome to the future of massage therapy.

This trend isn’t happening in a vacuum. The wellness tourism market is booming and is expected to hit a whopping $1.2 trillion by 2027. Hotels and gyms are scrambling to offer the latest and greatest in relaxation technology.

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The rise of AI massage robots

It seems like AI is taking over every aspect of our lives, and now it’s coming for our massages, too. Companies like Phillonlabs and Aescape are leading the charge. In fact, Aescape is bringing fully automated massage experiences to high-end hotels and gyms. Their robots are already available at Equinox in select locations throughout New York City.

The Lotte New York Palace, an iconic luxury hotel, has already partnered with Aescape to bring this futuristic massage experience to their guests. Joe Rose, owner of ila Only Spa at the Lotte New York Palace, explains the move: “It’s clear that more people wish to maintain and increase their sense of well-being when traveling, and they’re looking for the resources available to support this when choosing hotels.” This tech-forward approach to wellness is becoming a key differentiator in the competitive hospitality industry.

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A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How tech giants are revolutionizing massage

Aescape, a New York-based startup, has spent seven years in stealth mode, perfecting their AI-driven massage technology. They’ve assembled a team of experts from tech giants like Amazon, Apple and Uber as well as fitness innovators like Peloton and Tonal. The result? A massage experience that uses advanced AI to create a 3D computational model of each user’s body, delivering a personalized massage tailored to individual needs.

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Touchscreen for AI-powered massage robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How does this AI robo-massage actually work?

You start by slipping on what’s known as Aerwear, which comes in sizes from 2XS to 4XL, so there’s no need to worry about finding the right fit. If you’ve got long hair, you’ll need to pull it up into a ponytail, and they’ll provide a special headband to keep everything neatly in place. Once you’re suited up, you’ll lie down on the table and adjust it to your liking – headrest, armrest, the works. Then comes the cool part: You get to play DJ of your own massage using a touchscreen called Aerview.

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Want to focus on your shoulders? Crank up the intensity on your lower back? Change the lighting to set the mood? It’s all at your fingertips. The Aerview console lets you control every aspect of your massage. And get this: It remembers your preferences for next time. Talk about a smart massage.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Is the AI robot massage safe?

I know what you’re thinking: “A robot massaging me? Is that safe?” The folks at Aescape have thought of everything. They’ve equipped their tables with pressure sensors to make sure you’re not getting squished. There’s a pause button if you need a breather, and for those “get me outta here” moments, there’s an emergency stop. Plus, those seven “Aerpoints” on the massage surface are designed to mimic human touch. So, you’re getting the best of both worlds: human-like touch with machine precision.

A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Programs and pricing of the AI robot massage

Now, let’s talk options. At first, Aescape is focusing on upper body and glute massages. They’re short and sweet – think 15 to 30 minutes. Perfect for squeezing into your lunch break or before a big meeting. And here’s a fun fact: Thanks to some fancy technology, a 30-minute session on Aescape is like getting an hour-long massage from a human. Time is money, people.

Speaking of money, prices start around $60 for a 30-minute session, but it might vary depending on where you go and what kind of experience they’re offering. Aescape isn’t stopping here. They’re planning to roll out longer programs; we’re talking up to 120 minutes of blissful robotic kneading.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The allure of AI-powered massages

The appeal of robo-massages is multifaceted. For one, they offer consistency. No more rolling the dice on whether your masseuse will hit the right spots or use the perfect amount of pressure. These AI-powered systems promise to deliver the same high-quality experience every time. Additionally, they’re always available. Imagine getting a professional-grade massage at 3 a.m. after a late-night workout or a long flight. The convenience factor is undeniable.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The privacy perks of AI robo-massages

Privacy is another selling point. For those who feel uncomfortable with human touch or simply prefer a more solitary relaxation experience, these automated systems offer a compelling alternative. You can unwind and de-stress without the potential awkwardness of small talk or concerns about personal boundaries.

A man getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What’s next? Robo-spas and beyond

As this technology spreads, we might see entire spa experiences automated. Imagine a full day of pampering where you never interact with a single human. For some, this might sound like bliss, a chance to truly disconnect and focus on personal relaxation without any social demands. For others, it might feel a bit too dystopian, reminiscent of a “Black Mirror” episode where human touch has become obsolete.

The potential applications extend far beyond luxury hotels and high-end gyms. Aescape is already eyeing partnerships with professional sports teams, corporate offices and luxury real estate developments. Could we see a future where every home gym comes equipped with an AI massage station? Where office workers can duck into a massage pod for a quick stress-relieving session between meetings?

Touchscreen for AI-powered massage robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The human element: What AI can’t replicate in massage therapy

As we embrace these innovations, it’s worth considering what we might be losing. Can a machine, no matter how advanced, truly replicate the intuitive touch of a skilled human masseuse? There’s an art to massage therapy that goes beyond mere pressure points and muscle groups. It involves reading subtle cues from the client, adapting on the fly and providing that intangible human connection that can be so comforting. But Aescape says it works with human licensed massage therapists to inform every stroke of the massage.

A person getting massaged by an AI-powered robot (Aescape) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

While the idea of on-demand, personalized massages sounds appealing, there’s something to be said for the human element in wellness and relaxation. As we embrace these new technologies, we should also consider what we might lose. The warmth of human hands and the empathy of a skilled therapist are all valuable aspects of the traditional massage experience.

Perhaps the future isn’t about replacing the human touch entirely but finding a balance. There may be times when the precision and convenience of a machine are exactly what we need. Other times, nothing will beat the intuitive, adaptive touch of a human therapist. As consumers, we’ll have the power to choose based on our needs and preferences.

Are you excited about the prospect of AI-powered massages, or do you prefer to stick with traditional methods? Are you ready to put your wellness in the hands of robots? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.