The Japanese company Science Inc has unveiled its new 'human washing machine,' which provides a complete bathing experience without any user effort in just 15 minutes. The device, first seen at the Expo Osaka 2025, resembles a luxury spa capsule where the user enters to lie comfortably in a seat. The unit then closes, and the cleaning process begins using fine bubbles that penetrate the pores to cleanse the skin of oils, dirt, and dead skin cells. The machine doesn't just wash; it also automatically rinses and dries the user to the sound of soothing music that enhances relaxation. Furthermore, the device is equipped with sensors to monitor the user's vital signs to protect them from fainting or stress inside the capsule. The project's roots trace back to the 1970 Osaka Expo, where Sanyo showcased a similar prototype. The current president of Science, Yasuaki Oyama, saw it as a child and, decades later, decided to revive the project with modern technology. Its huge success at Expo 2025 prompted the company to launch it commercially. The washing machine is 2.5 meters long, 1 meter wide, and 2.6 meters high, spacious enough for most users to lie down comfortably. It will be priced at 60 million Japanese yen (about $385,000), making it exclusive for luxury hotels, resorts, onsens (hot springs), and high-end health centers. However, the company states that a less expensive, home version may be released in the future as technology advances and production scales up.
