JAPAN CREATES HUMAN WASHING MACHINE WHICH CAN WASH AND DRY YOU IN 15 MINUTES
At the 1970 Japan World Exposition, a global trade show focused on "Progress and Harmony for Mankind," an odd creation caused a stir. Developed by Sanyo Electric Co. (now Panasonic Holdings Corp.), the Ultrasonic Bath was dubbed a “human washing machine” and represented the future of personal hygiene. Yasuaki Aoyama, a fourth-grader, was obsessed with the invention even though it never became popular. Over fifty years later, the business he currently runs has tried this idea once more.
At the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo, the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki—which translates to "human washing machine of the future" in Japanese—made its debut. Developed by the bathtub and shower head manufacturer Science Co., it builds on the original 1970s bathing device concept while integrating cutting-edge technology that could make it a transformative cleaning tool for caregivers, the elderly, and people with limited mobility.
The pod-shaped, largely transparent device fills halfway with warm water while the user sits back. The AI-powered "human washing machine" measures the bather's pulse to decide whether the water temperature is appropriate and whether the bather is comfortable. In order to ease the user into the process, the device can also determine whether the user is calm or worried. If the latter, it will show calming visuals at eye level.
The Mirai Ningen Sentakuki uses the newest technology in water jets and minuscule air bubbles for the best cleaning results; the business claims that a full wash and dry takes fifteen minutes. The machine also pays homage to the ancient Japanese bathing tradition, which views bathing as a means of maintaining one's health and cleansing the soul.
Aoyama views this new creation as his dream machine, describing his initial experience with the Ultrasonic Bath as the one event that triggered his creativity. He told The Asahi Shimbun, "It intrigued me to think about what kind of future there would be." In the 1970s, the majority of individuals relied on public bathhouses because they lacked a bathtub at home, but today's problems are different. This gadget may prove to be a dependable choice for providing elderly people with comfortable and dignified care in the event of an "ageing crisis." According to Aoyama, "as a legacy from the 1970 exhibition, we will offer a new human washing machine."