Japan's AI-Powered 'Human Washing Machine' Revolutionizes Personal Hygiene

Human 'washing machine' uses AI to hose down your filthy body -- ...

Japanese showerhead firm Science Co. has put the "pod" in "Tide pod" after inventing an AI-powered "washing machine of the future" that is purported to give people the ultimate bath. "We're about 70% there," said company Chairman Yasuaki Aoyama while discussing when the device will be available at a lecture at the Osaka Healthcare Pavilion in late October, Japanese publication Ashahi Shimbun reported. Dubbed the "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki," the cutting-edge shower capsule is completely enclosed like a hygiene-based cryogenic chamber and takes just 15 minutes to wash and dry the user. After the user steps into the center seat, the transparent cockpit-like contraption fills partway with water, as demonstrated in a viral YouTube video. Sensors embedded in the seat then measure the person's pulse and other biological metrics to make sure the user is bathed at the ideal temperature. They're then blasted by highspeed water jets harboring 3-micrometer-wide air bubbles, the Daily Mail reported. When those pop, they produce a small but powerful pressure wave that scours grime from the skin -- the same process used to clean electrical components that can't be washed with chemicals. Just like so many things nowadays from smartphones to restaurants, the wash pod offers far more than its primary function. In this case, an innovative artificial intelligence system AI analyzes the aforementioned biomarkers to see if the customer is calm or excited and then projects a specially chosen video onto the plastic pod's interior to calm their nerves. As a result, the user receives a psychological deep-clean to go with the physical one, the company claims. This technology might seem cutting-edge, but it's actually a case of rinse and repeat: It's based on a machine exhibited at the 1970 Japan World Exposition by the Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp. That tech, dubbed the Ultrasonic Bath, also filled with water when the user climbed in, then released ultrasound waves as well as plastic balls to massage the bather's body. While the device never took off, Aoyama -- who waited in line as a fourth grader to try the bath at that time -- was inspired to create his own automated people scrubber. "It made me excited, thinking about what kind of future there would be," said the bathtub boss. "We will offer a new human washing machine as a legacy from the 1970 expo." Just like with its predecessor, he plans to exhibit the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki in April at Expo 2025 in Osaka, where 1,000 people will get to give the state-of-the-art scrubber a whirl. The company is already accepting reservations for the automated bathtub on its website. But don't worry if you can't jet to Osaka to try it out -- the company is planning to debut a home edition in the future.

Taking a bath is old - Japan's 'Human Washing Machine' cleans you in 15 minutes using AI. Check features, specifications

Japan, renowned for its groundbreaking innovations, has unveiled a revolutionary device that could redefine personal hygiene. The Mirai Ningen Sentakuki, or the "Human Washing Machine," is an AI-powered invention by Osaka-based Science Co. Promising to cleanse the body and calm the mind in just 15 minutes, this futuristic machine is designed for efficiency and relaxation, making it a potential game-changer for those short on time. The machine resembles a futuristic pod, akin to a fighter jet cockpit. Users step into the transparent capsule, which fills halfway with warm water. Advanced water jets infused with microscopic air bubbles are then activated, dislodging dirt and impurities from the skin. Electrodes in the seat monitor the user's biological signals to ensure an optimal cleaning experience, adjusting water temperature and pressure as needed. Beyond physical cleanliness, the machine focuses on mental well-being. Using AI-powered sensors, it interprets the user's emotional state and projects calming visuals inside the pod to create a personalized relaxation experience. "It's not just about hygiene; it's a wellness experience," said Yasuaki Aoyama, the chairman of Science Co., during a lecture. The concept of a human washing machine isn't entirely new. The first version was introduced at the 1970 Japan World Expo by Sanyo Electric Co., now Panasonic Holdings Corp. That prototype used hot water, bubbles, and plastic massage balls for cleaning. Although it captivated audiences, it never made it to commercial production. Inspired by that innovation, Aoyama reimagined the concept to cater to modern needs. "We're about 70 percent there," he noted, referring to the development of the latest version. The Mirai Ningen Sentakuki will make its debut at the Osaka Kansai Expo in 2025. Aoyama confirmed that 1,000 guests would have the opportunity to experience this futuristic device firsthand. Reservations are already open, and interest is mounting as people anticipate this unique combination of hygiene and relaxation. The machine has sparked discussions about its potential uses, including in retirement homes, healthcare facilities, and even for busy professionals. Social media reactions have ranged from excitement to humor. While one user commented, "Leave it to Japan to turn hygiene into high-tech luxury," another joked, "One little glitch and you're euthanized." Science Co. plans to launch a mass-market version of the device after the Expo, with a home-use edition also in the works. While no release date or price has been confirmed, the company is optimistic about the machine's transformative potential. Combining cutting-edge AI technology with the basic human need for hygiene, the Mirai Ningen Sentakuki showcases Japan's ability to innovate for both practicality and comfort.

What if you could be washed like laundry? Meet Japan's AI-powered 'human washing machine'!

Engineers in Japan have built a 'human washing machine of the future' or the 'Mirai Ningen Sentakuki' which uses AI to analyse your body before using a customised 'wash-and-dry' process. Science Co., an Osaka-based showerhead company, has invented the bizarre contraption which it says works like a washing machine which takes 15 minutes to wash a human. The futuristic machine that looks like a fighter jet's pod or cockpit will soon be displayed at the Osaka Kansai Expo in Japan where 1,000 guests will try it out.

Want to try the 'Human Washer of the Future'? Japanese company develops

During the washing process, ultrasonic waves are emitted, and microscopic bubbles are released to massage and relax the user's body. Japanese company Science Co. is set to revolutionize the bathing experience with the development of the "Human Washer of the Future," known in Japanese as "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki." According to El Periódico, this innovative bathtub integrates artificial intelligence and ultrasonic technology to adapt precisely to the physical and emotional needs of its users, offering much more than a conventional bathing experience. The "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki" is designed as a large, egg-shaped capsule resembling a fighter jet cockpit. As reported by The Sun, when the user settles into the bathtub, it is partially filled with hot water, and the bathing process begins. Integrated sensors measure the user's heart rate and other biological factors to adjust aspects like water temperature and flow, ensuring a personalized and comfortable experience. During the washing process, ultrasonic waves are emitted, and microscopic bubbles are released to massage and relax the user's body. El Periódico notes that this not only cleanses the body but also incorporates relaxation features to "wash the mind" along with the body. An advanced artificial intelligence system enhances the experience by analyzing the user's emotional state and projecting relaxing images on the transparent cover. The Sun reports that these images adjust to the user's mood, responding to stress and fatigue levels to create a calming atmosphere, combined with soothing sounds and the diffusion of essential oils into the air. Yasuaki Aoyama, Chairman of Science Co., was inspired by the original "Ultrasonic Bath" presented by Sanyo Electric at the 1970 Osaka World Expo. According to El Periódico, he recalled seeing the pioneering bathtub during a fourth-grade class visit to the expo. "It made me excited, thinking about what kind of future there would be," Aoyama stated. Now, he has fulfilled his dream by developing the "Human Washer of the Future," bringing the concept into the 21st century with modern technology. הצגת פוסט זה באינסטגרם ‏‎פוסט משותף על ידי ‏‎Got Weird‎‏ (@‏‎gotweird‎‏)‎‏ The current prototype of the "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki" is intended to be showcased at the upcoming Osaka Kansai Expo in 2025. Prospective users will be able to see and enjoy it up close at the Health Pavilion from April 13 to October 13, 2025. The company plans to allow seven to eight visitors to test the machine each day, with more than 1,000 general visitors expected to try it during the exhibition. "We have reached 70% of the testing, and we intend to provide an opportunity for a thousand visitors to use our product during the exhibition," said Yasuaki Aoyama, the president of Science Co. Reservations for experiencing the "Mirai Ningen Sentakuki" during the expo are now available on Science Co.'s official website. The Sun reports that high demand is evident from the number of bookings made. The company aims to use the expo as a platform to showcase the futuristic bathtub before its eventual launch to the market. This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq