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- By Gurmehar --
- Monday, 01 Dec, 2025
Japan has introduced a new device called the human washing machine, which lets a person get cleaned while lying down. The machine is shaped like a pod, where users lie inside, close the lid, and enjoy a full cleaning experience without the spinning used in regular laundry. Instead, it uses soft water jets, foam, gentle massage movements, and relaxing music, making it feel more like a spa than a bath.
The machine was developed by the Japanese company Science and first appeared as a prototype at the World Expo in Osaka. It attracted huge attention, with long lines of visitors eager to try it. The company also added safety features, including monitoring the user’s heartbeat and other vital signs during the session. This ensures the person is comfortable and safe throughout the cleaning process.
Interestingly, the idea of a human washing machine is not entirely new. A similar concept was displayed at the 1970 Osaka Expo. Science’s current president was inspired by that early design when he was just 10 years old, and decades later, he turned it into a fully functioning commercial product.
The prototype became so popular that a resort company in the United States contacted Science, asking if the device could be sold for commercial use. This request encouraged the company to finally put the machine into production for public sale.
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First buyers and future plans
The first human washing machine has already been purchased by a hotel in Osaka. The hotel plans to offer this unique service to guests as a luxury experience. Another early buyer is Yamada Denki, a large electronics retail chain in Japan, which hopes the unusual device will attract more customers to its stores.
Science has announced that it will produce only about 50 units of the human washing machine. This limited production will maintain the machine’s exclusivity and high-tech appeal. The price for each unit is 60 million yen, which is roughly $385,000 or around Rs 3.2 crore.
The human washing machine represents a futuristic approach to personal care. It combines technology, comfort, and convenience, allowing people to enjoy a hands-free, relaxing cleaning experience. Users do not need to exert themselves in the bath or shower, as the machine performs the washing and massaging actions automatically.
Experts say this innovation could change the way people think about bathing and personal hygiene. It may appeal not only to hotels and spas but also to luxury consumers looking for unique ways to relax and stay clean. The device shows how technology can merge with everyday routines, turning something as simple as bathing into a futuristic, enjoyable experience.
Visitors at the World Expo who tried the machine were impressed by its comfort and efficiency. Many described it as feeling like a combination of a spa treatment and a high-tech cleaning system. The gentle jets and foam massage provide relaxation, while the monitoring system ensures safety, making it suitable for a wide range of users.
The launch of the human washing machine is an example of Japan’s continued innovation in technology and lifestyle products. By bringing a concept from decades ago into reality, the country has created a unique product that combines fun, health, and luxury.
As technology continues to evolve, devices like this human washing machine may become more common. While the current model is expensive and limited in number, future versions could be adapted for wider use, potentially offering more affordable options for households or wellness centers.
For now, the human washing machine remains a rare and exclusive product, offering a futuristic and spa-like bathing experience for those who can afford it. It demonstrates how creativity and technology can transform everyday activities into extraordinary experiences, combining comfort, safety, and innovation in one machine.
