AUTOMATION
6. ROBOT THERAPISTS
The ability to perceive the minds of others is emerging in robots and the field continues to develop and evolve. We predict the spa and wellness indus- try will eventually employ robot therapists to carry out some, if not all work. The world of work is changing fast –
researchers at the University of Oxford in the UK have just published a report, The Future of Employment, which says 45 per cent of jobs currently done by humans will be computerised in 20 years. The coming of robot workers will overlap with this, as businesses strive to reduce labour costs and increase profitability. Robots can already scan and appraise
materials and interact with them appro- priately, so some of the elements which are required for the leap into delivering a treatment are already in existence. Unlike humans, robots can be programmed
The advent of robot therapists will enable the delivery of highly technical treatments
(and reprogrammed) quickly to follow highly technical and complex procedures – imagine the comprehensive spa menus and levels of customisation which would be possible if treatments were delivered by robot instead of human? Some may prefer to be treated by robot, as it removes the embarrassment they feel at being naked in front of another person. Robots are capable of making connec-
tions between data and basing actions on the latest research because they can upload, process and analyse vast quanti- ties of information to reach a diagnosis.
As an example, IBM pitted its most
powerful computer – Watson – against world leading medics in a diagnostic test for cancer and Watson won hands down. IBM says 20 per cent of all medical diagnoses in the US are erroneous, leading to incorrect treatment. We imagine a time when healing modalities are prescribed and delivered effectively by robot. n More about IBM Watson:
http://lei.sr?a=4b0F8 and
http://lei.sr?a=k7v7y n Oxford University report:
http://lei.sr?a=r3F0V
A NEW PERSPECTIVE 7. WAR ZONES
Although we’re living in the most peaceful century in history, the last seven years has shown a notable deterioration in levels of peace, according to The Global Peace Index from The Institute for Econom- ics and Peace (IEP). Since 2008, 111 countries
have deteriorated in levels of peace, it found, while only 51 have increased and the world’s become less peaceful due to a rise in terrorist activity, the number of conflicts fought and people displaced. The global economic impact of violence reached US$9.8tn last year. We believe there’s a
case for the spa industry to track and respond to war zones for a number of important reasons.
THE NEW SUPERFOODS 8. FATS & CARBS
Vietnam, a former war zone, now has a booming spa sector
Firstly, there are oppor- tunities in rebuilding, as conflicts draw to a close and major infrastructure and investment recommence. It’s a long-term play, but can prove lucrative. Former war zones such as Vietnam are now booming as spa and resort destinations. Secondly, where spa
developments are underway or established, businesses can be threatened by civil unrest, so operators, developers and investors
need a systematic way of assessing and responding to this risk to protect assets. Thirdly, and most
importantly, the healing ethos of spa and whole- some physical touch can make a huge difference in areas of conflict. Overall, tracking
war zones gives a clear indication of where threats and opportunities lie for the spa industry. n IEP report:
http://lei.sr?a=y8Y6G
Spa Business 4 2014 ©Cybertrek 2014 Read Spa Business online
spabusiness.com / digital
Misinformation about fats and carbohydrates has led to many excluding them from their diet. However, we expect to see this
change, as people become better educated in holistic nutrition. In his book Fats that Heal, Fats
that Kill, Udo Erasmus makes the case for consuming the correct fatty acids to prevent a wide range of serious health disorders. While carbohydrates are necessary to help functions such as nerve health. Spas are perfectly placed to
educate customers on these issues and to include the correct fats and carbs on the menu.
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SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/KISELEV ANDREY VALEREVICH
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NATASHA BREEN
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/JOHN BILL
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