Japan is known for constantly surprising the world with new innovative ideas and technologies. This time the country made a 'human washing machine' and put it on the shelves. People can use it for bathing. Many have called it a 'human washing washing machine' due to its functionality and design.
The machine resembles the cockpit of a jet fighter. It has a transparent lid, which opens at the back. When a person sits on a seat in the center of the machine, the machine is partially filled with hot water. Sensors in the seat measure the person's pulse and other physical data. This ensures that users are showering at the right temperature.
In addition, the machine is equipped with an AI system, which determines the user's mental state (ie: calm or excited). Various images will be displayed inside the transparent cover, so that the user feels more cheerful. The machine takes 15 minutes for the entire process of washing and drying people.
The 'human washing machine' was unveiled for the first time at the 1970 Japan World Expo, creating quite a buzz at the time. It will appear anew in the 21st century with several changes. It will be exhibited at the 'Askai Kangsai Expo' in April next year.
The original machine was manufactured by Sanyo Electric Company (now Panasonic Holdings Corporation). However, it was not a commercial success. After more than half a century, Osaka-based shower head manufacturer Science Company has created the new version, which is based on the latest technology.
It plans to exhibit at Askai Kongsai Expo's Osaka Healthcare Pavilion. The pavilion will be managed by the Osaka prefectural and local governments.
Visitors to the exhibition site will get a chance to try it out. Apart from this, the company is planning to launch a version for home use.
Yasuaki Ayama, chairman of the company, said on October 23, 'We have completed about 70 percent of the work. We are planning to give 1000 general visitors the opportunity to use it during the exhibition.
Ayama added that seven to eight people can experience 'wash and dry' every day.
The human washing machine unveiled at Sanyo Electric's exhibition in 1970 was known as the 'Ultrasonic Bath'. When the user sat in the egg-shaped tub, the machine automatically filled hot water and emitted ultrasonic waves. It also used to massage the user's body with plastic balls. Visitors had to wait in long queues to see the exhibition. Among them was Yasuaki Ayama, who was living in the town as a fourth grader at the time.
He said, after seeing the machine, his imagination became absolutely limitless. Back then many homes did not have bathrooms and people used public bathhouses regularly. For this he thought of making such machines in the future.
Now his company makes bathtubs and shower heads that use 'microscopic bubbles' technology to clean the user's body.
References: TechCrunch
