The Osaka-based shower head maker called Science Co. Ltd. is developing a human washing machine according to the report published in the popular Japanese newspaper The Asahi Shimbun on November 22, 2024. Science Co. Ltd. is planning to exhibit the human washing machine named Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, which translates as the human washing machine of the future, at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion run by the Osaka city government and prefectural.
Technology is getting more and more integrated into our daily lives from waking up and brushing our teeth to everything we do. The futuristic robotic human washing machine is designed to bathe humans as well as provide stress relief and relaxation. The robotic human washing machine is intended to be showcased at the Osaka Kansai Expo in April 2025. The technology might seem to be futuristic and create awe by the design as well but had previously created a stir at the Japan World Exposition in 1970, more than five decades before.
Historical Roots and Inspiration
The first human washing machine called Ultrasonic Bath was developed by Sanyo Electric Co. Now known as Panasonic Holdings Corp. in 1970, but was not commercially successful. After more than half a century, Science Co. is developing the same idea with newer technology and innovations. The company has not developed the commercial version of the product and for now, is exhibiting the machine with visitors allowed to try it out. Up to eight people can experience a 15-minute wash and dry session per day after booking a reservation.
The reservations are accepted at the company website on a special page exclusively for human washing machine reservations. The home-use version is reportedly to be released sometime in the future as the company is said to be working on it. The company chairman Yasuaki Aoyama said at a lecture held in Osaka on October 23, “We’re about 70 percent there” about the technology’s progress. He also added that they plan to offer 1000 general visitors an opportunity to use it during the expo in April in Osaka.
Technological Features and Design
The Human washing machine is designed like the cockpit of a jet pilot. It is not only designed to bathe the human body but also to create a soothing experience incorporating music and images on the water-resistant display inside the machine. The machine is also said to have sensors inside that will measure the state of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves to adjust the temperature of the water and a built-in AI technology that can collect data creating a comfortable experience other than just cleansing the body.
The Mirai Ningen Sentakuki will be partially filled with hot water at the right temperature that suits the mood and body preference, and the person can sit at the center on the comfortable seat provided. It takes fifteen minutes to wash and dry. The human washing machine project is part of Science Co. Ltd.’s Mirable product line named Project Usoyaro. The company calls the technology the latest “fine bubble technology” with a list of monitoring sensors and AI technology to create a new bathing experience.
Read More: Cybercab Event Highlights: Optimus Humanoid Bots Were Remotely Assisted By Humans
Personal Connection and Future Prospects
The story behind this innovative approach is pretty fascinating as Science Co. Ltd. chairman Yasuki Aoyama was only ten years old when the first bathing machine was invented and has been fascinated and wanted to improve the technology ever since. It was an egg-shaped tub that automatically filled with hot water and emitted ultrasound waves. The machine also used plastic balls to massage the person’s body. The chairman recalled his experience as a fourth-grader who waited in queues to see the machine, “it made me excited, thinking about what kind of future these would be”.
It was a time when there was no bath available at home and people relied on public bathhouses for their daily routines. The chairman added, “We will offer a new human washing machine as a legacy from the 1970 expo.” Science. Co. Ltd. works with bathtubs and showerheads and also incorporates microscopic bubbles to cleanse the body. The same idea is utilized for the bathing machine as microbubbles are said to cleanse the body more thoroughly than large bubbles. The 1970 human washing machine couldn’t bring this microbubble technology at the time, even though the creators knew its potential.
The bathing technology might take some time to be commercially available, but it is for sure a cutting-edge innovation. Unlike its predecessor, Mirai Ningen Sentakuki is likely to be a success as looked upon by its chairman. Its adoption by people, safety, and further details of the technology should be awaited as clarity is expected at the expo in April. The common phrase that Japan is living in the future will once again be solidified once the technology is out in the market. Modified once the technology is out in the market.
