Japan Creates a Human Washing Machine of the Future!
A Japanese company has invented an AI-powered 'human washing machine' that provides a fully automated bath, combining physical cleaning with emotional relaxation.
In an era where time and energy are often in short supply, a Japanese company has developed a revolutionary solution to a basic human need: bathing. Science Co., a Japanese showerhead manufacturing company, has introduced an innovative AI-powered "human washing machine" designed to provide users with a comprehensive, automated bath experience. Named the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, which translates to "future human washing machine" in English, this device promises to be the ultimate solution for people who either lack time or simply don't want to go through the effort of a traditional bath.
Chairman Yasuaki Aoyama unveiled the futuristic washing machine, which looks like a hygiene-focused cryogenic chamber. The machine's cutting-edge design ensures an entirely enclosed experience. Users slide into a central seat, and the chamber fills halfway with water. Embedded sensors then measure the user's pulse and other biological data to adjust the water temperature to their personal needs, ensuring the most comfortable bath possible.
The innovative aspect of the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki lies in its high-tech cleaning process. Once the water is ready, the machine releases high-speed jets of water containing 3-micrometer-wide air bubbles. These tiny yet powerful bubbles pop when they come into contact with the skin, effectively cleaning the body by removing dirt and dead skin cells. This bubble technology, originally designed to clean delicate electronic components, works remarkably well for human skin.
But the machine doesn’t stop at just a physical cleanse. Using AI and the biometric data collected from the sensors, the machine can analyze the user’s emotional state, detecting whether they are calm, anxious, or excited. Based on this, it plays a tailored video inside the chamber, offering a psychological deep clean alongside the physical one, helping to relax and soothe the user.
Aoyama claims the entire bath process takes only 15 minutes, and the machine both washes and dries the user completely. The technology is positioned to revolutionize the way people experience hygiene, with potential benefits for industries like hospitality and healthcare.
Interestingly, this advanced washing machine is not a new concept but rather an upgrade to a more than 50-year-old idea. In 1970, Sanyo Electric Co. (now Panasonic Holdings Corp.) introduced the Ultrasonic Bath at the Japan World Exposition. This machine filled with water and used ultrasound waves and plastic balls to massage the user’s body. While it did not become a commercial success, it left a lasting impact on Aoyama, who was inspired by the machine as a young boy. He fondly remembers waiting hours in line to try it at the expo. Now, more than five decades later, Aoyama has built upon that inspiration to create the modern-day Mirai Ningen Sentakuki.
Aoyama plans to showcase the machine at the Japan Expo 2025 in Osaka, where thousands of visitors are expected to experience this innovative technology firsthand. While some may view the human washing machine as an extravagant or unnecessary gadget, it holds potential for those with disabilities or mobility issues who struggle with bathing. Additionally, it could prove to be a more efficient and hygienic solution for communal spaces like hostels and hotels, where shared bathrooms are common.
While the primary target markets for the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki are the hospitality, health, and medicine industries, Science Co. is also considering a home-use version of the machine. With its blend of advanced technology and thoughtful design, the AI-powered human washing machine may soon change the way we think about personal hygiene.
