In April of the following year, an exhibition in Osaka, Japan, will feature a “human washing machine.” This transparent capsule, reminiscent of the hypersleep chamber from the iconic movie “Aliens,” pledges to rejuvenate anyone within 15 minutes, regardless of their current state of discontent.
The patient disrobes and settles on the central couch, as the doors seal shut and a transparent dome encases them. The capsule partially fills with warm water while sensors track the patient’s pulse and respiration, adjusting the water’s temperature accordingly to ensure comfort. Additional sensors assess stress levels by scanning active points on the back. This data is fed to an AI that projects soothing images inside the dome, aimed at harmonizing the spirit.
After a 15-minute session, individuals emerge not just cleansed but also tranquil. The stress dissipates, alleviating bodily ailments.
“You experience a 70 percent recovery,” claims Yasuaki Aoyama, the company’s CEO.
However, he warns that this is just the beginning, with more challenges ahead.
Reports indicate that during the exhibition, approximately a thousand individuals will undergo transformation, yet the machine has a capacity of only 7-8 persons per day. This presents an apparent contradiction, as the exhibition will not last for a year or more. Pre-orders are currently available on the manufacturer’s website.
The expectation is that affluent individuals will be the main purchasers of this home-use device. Although the price remains undisclosed, it’s apparent that it will be costly. It requires a spacious bathroom, a luxury not only in Japan but elsewhere too. Additionally, it consumes cubic meters of water, which is expensive in Japan and beyond. Thus, it seems destined for exhibition rather than practical use.
The manufacturer in question is Science Co., based in Osaka, where the narrative takes an intriguing turn.
Science Co. produces shower heads, but the name implies a deeper connection to science. Indeed, their shower heads are designed to wash the body with air bubbles, enhancing the cleaning process. It appears a relatively obscure company manufacturing a commonplace product has chosen to capitalize on the trending topics of AI and health. However, the story is more nuanced, rooted in a childhood dream.
The original “human washing machine” debuted at an Osaka exhibition in 1970, a simple device by Sanyo Electric that drew long lines.
At that time, Japan was economically challenged, with most people lacking baths or showers, relying instead on weekly visits to public baths. The prospect of home bathing was revolutionary. Sanyo’s capsule was an ultrasonic bath that used ultrasound to peel away dirt, similar to some real washing machines. For added effect, plastic balls were added to the bath, which bounced erratically under the ultrasound, enhancing the experience.
Yasuaki Aoyama, who was in the fourth grade at the time, visited the exhibition and queued to glimpse the future. The ultrasonic bath left a lasting impression on him, leading him to ponder, “Will we ever bathe like this in our apartments?” This childhood experience inspired him to pursue a career in the bath and laundry industry. He has now teamed up with the original designer of the bathtub, Manatsu Ueda, who is now 90 years old, to craft a historical narrative with a modern, high-tech twist.
A point to note: the old model from Sanyo did not achieve commercial success and was never mass-produced.
