The human washing machine returns with cutting-edge technology, offering stress analysis, therapeutic relaxation, and ultimate cleanliness.
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| Inspired by a 1970 prototype, a new human washing machine promises stress-free cleaning and relaxation for home use. Image: Collected |
Osaka, Japan – November 24, 2024:
A futuristic innovation is set to debut at the Osaka Kansai Expo in April 2025: a giant dishwashing machine for humans. Created by Japanese company Science Co., the device promises to wash, dry, and relax its users in just 15 minutes, combining cleanliness with therapeutic benefits.
The machine, resembling a hypersleep pod from Aliens (1986), uses sensors to analyze stress and fatigue levels, adjusting its functions to create a personalized relaxation experience. It even displays calming imagery tailored to the user's physical and emotional state, according to reports by The Mainichi Shimbun.
While it seems like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, the concept isn’t entirely new. A prototype human washing machine was first unveiled at the Osaka Expo in 1970 by Sanyo Electric Co. (now part of Panasonic). The original design used hot water, bubbles, and ultrasonic waves to clean test subjects but never advanced to mass production due to technical challenges.
Hoping for a different outcome this time, Science Co. is working closely with two of Sanyo’s original engineers, now in their 80s and 90s, to refine the concept. “We’re about 70 percent there,” company chairman Yasuaki Aoyama said in a recent lecture.
Following its showcase at the expo, where 1,000 people are expected to test the machine, Science Co. plans to make the device available for home use.
Whether this futuristic pod will become a household staple remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: it’s an innovative step towards combining hygiene and wellness in a single, immersive experience.