A revolutionary device described as a 'human washing machine' has officially launched for sale in Japan, offering a fully automated, head-to-toe cleansing experience inside a futuristic pod. The eye-watering price tag for this convenience is set at £290,000 (60 million Japanese yen).
How the Futuristic Cleansing Pod Works
The jet-fighter cockpit-shaped pod, measuring 2.5 metres long by one metre wide, is large enough for a person to lie down comfortably. Once sealed inside, the chamber fills halfway with water, partially submerging the bather. The core cleaning technology involves high-speed water jets that release trillions of minuscule air bubbles, each less than three micrometres in diameter.
When these microbubbles burst against the skin, they create powerful microscopic pressure waves that effectively dislodge dirt and grime from pores. This industrial-grade cleaning method, often used for delicate electrical components, is now being applied to human hygiene. However, the company behind it, Science Co., promises more than just physical cleanliness; they claim the experience is capable of 'washing the soul'.
AI-Powered Relaxation and a 50-Year-Old Dream
The pod is fitted with advanced sensors that monitor the bather's vital signs, including heart rate. An artificial intelligence (AI) system interprets this data to assess the user's stress or calmness levels. Based on this analysis, the AI projects a specifically selected, soothing video onto the interior walls of the pod to enhance relaxation.
This concept is not entirely new. The design is based on a prototype first showcased by Sanyo Electric Co. (now Panasonic) at the 1970 Japan World Exposition. That earlier model, which included plastic massage balls, captivated the public, including a nine-year-old Yasuaki Aoyama. Now, as the chairman of Science Co., a firm specialising in showerheads, Mr Aoyama has turned his childhood fascination into a commercial reality.
Limited Production and Future Prospects
Initially, Science Co. will produce a limited run of just 40 to 50 units. Given the colossal cost, most are expected to be installed in high-end Japanese spas and hotels. One hotel in Osaka has already agreed to purchase the first machine, with several more units reportedly reserved.
The device, named the 'Mirai Ningen Sentakuki' or 'Human Washing Machine of the Future', was originally a prototype for last year's Osaka-Kansai Expo. Overwhelming public interest, with 40,000 people applying for a trial, spurred the decision for commercial production. While a home version remains a distant dream, a company spokesperson suggested that future technological evolution and mass production could eventually lead to a more affordable model for domestic use.
