Wild human washing machine promises to rinse you clean in 15 minutes

zohaibahd · Friday at 8:13 AM

In context: Back in 1970, a futuristic "human washing machine" called the Ultrasonic Bath caused a sensation at the Japan World Exposition. The egg-shaped pod was developed and exhibited by Sanyo Electric Co., now known as Panasonic Holdings Corp. When someone climbed inside, it would automatically fill with hot water, blast them with ultrasound waves, and release massage balls to knead their body. Over 50 years later, this peculiar invention is making a comeback with a high-tech upgrade.

While it never really took off commercially after 1970, the human washing machine concept clearly made an impression on at least one young visitor from Osaka – Yasuaki Aoyama. Japanese publication Asahi Shimbun reports that as a fourth-grader, he was entranced watching the baths in action. Over 50 years later, Aoyama is now the chairman of Science Co., a showerhead manufacturing firm.

Aoyama is determined to finally make his childhood dream a reality with an all-new "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki" (human washing machine of the future). It's set to be shown off at the Osaka Kansai Expo taking place in April next year.

This modern remake ditches the egg shape for something that resembles a jet fighter (or a massive helmet), with a transparent canopy that opens from the back. Once you settle into the central seat, sensors monitor your vitals to ensure the perfect wash temperature. There's even an AI system that analyzes if you're feeling calm or excited, then projects custom visuals on the inside of the transparent cover to help the person feel refreshed. The whole wash and dry process takes 15 minutes.

Aoyama says they're about 70% of the way through development. The plan is to offer up to 1,000 expo visitors a chance to try the novel bathing experience each day. If you want to sign up, Science Co. is taking reservations through their website.

While they're officially just showcasing it at the Osaka expo for now, Science Co. isn't ruling out some kind of home model down the road. Previous materials mentioned the goal of "washing the mind" along with the body.

Image credit: Asahi Shimbun

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Wild human washing machine promises to rinse you clean in 15 minutes

NumberNine · Friday at 11:04 AM

That last remaining 30% of the development will be them hiring someone to write software which is legally allowed to collect detailed telemetry about your nude body. You can also be fairly certain that it will require proprietary water filters.

airbornex · Friday at 11:49 AM

Sounds like we're one step closer to living in a sci-fi movie. Just waiting for the DLC where it dispenses life advice while rinsing.

Win7user · Friday at 1:25 PM

And, just who can afford to purchase this contraption? I think I'll just continue using my stall shower.

wiyosaya · Friday at 1:42 PM

More junk for the materialistic person who thinks they need everything.

Thrackerzod · Friday at 1:52 PM

Leeloo: "Auto wash..."

Burty117 · Friday at 2:09 PM

Looking forward to seeing YouTubers add all sorts of stuff so you can play video games while being washed.

kiwigraeme · Friday at 3:52 PM

I kind of get it, if a complete replacement , easy installation , no special flooring needed as required in bathrooms, doubles as massager, spa etc . maybe very water efficient etc
If way to help infirm to get in and out of etc

Flip side with this a bidet etc is even more chance ( especially if overweight ) , people will lose flexibility to wipe or clean themselves in nether regions ie you need some shoulder flexibility.
There said it

WALL.E

Megalomaniac · Friday at 6:02 PM

It'll clean parts of your body you didn't even know you had.

TooQik · Friday at 7:26 PM

This is ideal for people who have mobility concerns, particularly the elderly and people with disabilities. Might need some modification for ingress and egress, but could potentially stop falls and injuries in the bathroom.

BadThad · Saturday at 12:03 AM

Dumb invention for normal home/daily use but could be cool as part of a spa treatment or for invalids. But for me - I can shower in 7 minutes, use less water and I'm a lot cleaner.

WaphleStomp · Saturday at 1:24 AM

Yeah, but can it clean my filthy, black soul?

mbk34 · Saturday at 5:19 AM

"Wild human washing machine" - I saw the levers and thought it was a human powered dish washer. I could picture my kids working hard on the levers and me not letting them out until the dishes were clean. Actually, considering the size and age of my kids, it might be me on the inside.

Before settling down for a good soak in a bath like that I'd want scuba gear, something protective for my nether regions and a hammer to break the glass. It doesn't look at all relaxing.

Robby-san · Saturday at 7:10 AM

mbk34 said:
"Wild human washing machine" - I saw the levers and thought it was a human powered dish washer. I could picture my kids working hard on the levers and me not letting them out until the dishes were clean. Actually, considering the size and age of my kids, it might be me on the inside.

Before settling down for a good soak in a bath like that I'd want scuba gear, something protective for my nether regions and a hammer to break the glass. It doesn't look at all relaxing.

I don't think those are levers. I believe they are spray nozzle assemblies.

mbk34 · Saturday at 7:21 AM

Robby-san said:
I don't think those are levers. I believe they are spray nozzle assemblies.

You wonder whether it would be cheaper to go to your local car wash wearing flip flops and swim wear.

FaTaL · Saturday at 9:26 AM

So if I take a dump mid-wash, does it wipe my butt?

wpontius · Saturday at 10:42 AM

Glorified, overpriced bathtub, how stupid! It needs to be enclosed for what, the spin cycle?

Nintenboy01 · Saturday at 1:53 PM

Then it accidentally slices your **** or labia off with a misplaced water jet

GTvon · Saturday at 4:36 PM

15 minutes? Sorry but I like to soak for a lot longer than that in the tub.

Win7user · Saturday at 8:41 PM

Nintenboy01 said:
Then it accidentally slices your **** or labia off with a misplaced water jet

Yikes!!

MichaelBP · Saturday at 11:24 PM

"Don't hate what you don't understand." -- John Lennon
I find it puzzling and concerning about the negative comments regarding this Human Washing Machine. At least two have complained about the price, but the article gives no clue as to how much this will cost. Another said that his 7-minute shower gets him cleaner... cleaner than what? Unless you've actually used the Human Washing Machine, you have zero basis of comparison. And then there are the comments regarding personal safety, especially regarding the nether region. Seriously? You really believe the designers were throwing caution to the wind? Even a true psychopath is concerned about safety if they don't want a lawsuit.
Be careful when you AssUMe what a product does or how much it costs.
I have not used the Machine myself, but I would really like to: it sounds very intriguing.

sheffieldyorky · Sunday at 1:48 AM

zohaibahd said:
When you think about it, we have come a very long way from using a TIN BATH sat in front of a roaring coal fire to what is projected now. Before you ask NO I use an electric shower but would love to have one of these units installed at home.

mbk34 · Sunday at 5:43 AM

I think it's biggest issue is that it just takes up too much space. Japanese bathrooms aren't big and this does appear to be a huge device plus you need space to open and close the lid. The next problem is that many of us actually like to relax in a bath. Personally, I like to read and then fall asleep. If the aim is to wash those that aren't fully mobile then the bath would need some sort of door to get in.

I think he'd do better with a cylindrical shower that slides open. You could still have a spray arm that moves around the body and washes everywhere. You could make it more "green" by using the heat in the outgoing water to prewarm the incoming water. If there was a water tank somewhere in the device then you could add a pump that massaged the body too. Maybe you could even get the device to dry you too. Another interesting feature might be to trap any moisture within the shower.

Alternatively you could keep the same design and wear an old t-shirt and sailors cap and pretend you're on a submarine that's been hit.

TommyBoyFL · Sunday at 12:56 PM

FaTaL said:
So if I take a dump mid-wash, does it wipe my butt?

Power washes it.

Rolfil · Sunday at 1:24 PM

How much water does this thing actually use? Surely a 5 minute shower has to be just as good and a lot cheaper.

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