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Japan has introduced a fully automated “human washing machine” that cleans, massages, and monitors your body inside a futuristic pod. After captivating visitors at the 2025 Osaka Expo, the machine is now officially available for purchase. It represents a major leap in personal hygiene technology. Here is how it works and why it is generating global attention.
Japan’s Human Washing Machine Revolution
Japan has unveiled a remarkable innovation in modern hygiene: a human washing machine designed to clean the body gently and thoroughly while creating a soothing, spa-like experience. Developed by the Japanese company Science, the device has moved from expo concept to commercial reality following its debut at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.
The machine resembles a sleek, capsule-shaped pod. A person lies inside, the lid closes, and the entire washing process begins automatically. Instead of spinning or rotating like a traditional washer, the system uses gentle motions, controlled water sprays, and relaxing music to create a calm and rejuvenating experience. Throughout the session, built-in sensors track the user’s heartbeat and vital signs to maintain comfort and safety.
This combination of cleansing, monitoring, and relaxation is what makes the technology stand out. It merges wellness, health technology, and futuristic design in a way that few products have attempted before.
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Background and Inspiration Behind the Human Washing Machine
The modern device builds on a concept first displayed at the 1970 Osaka Expo. According to Science spokeswoman Sachiko Maekura, the company’s president was inspired as a child after seeing the original prototype. Decades later, that early fascination has evolved into a fully realized commercial product.
The updated version does more than wash the body. It aims to refresh both the body and the mind by blending physical cleaning with mental relaxation. This expands its appeal far beyond a traditional bath or shower and positions it as a wellness ritual rather than a simple hygiene device.
This connection to the 1970 prototype gives the product a unique identity. It reflects Japanese innovation, design heritage, and the long-standing cultural imagination around futuristic living.
Source: The Economic Times
How the Human Washing Machine Works and Its Unique Features
Inside the machine, the user reclines while the system initiates a multi-stage wash cycle. Water jets and mild cleansing solutions are applied carefully to avoid discomfort. The machine uses massage-like mechanical rhythms rather than rough spinning, creating a smooth and gentle cleaning method.
Advanced sensors monitor heart rate and other vital signs throughout the process. Temperature regulation and soft internal lighting enhance the experience. Built-in speakers play calming music to reinforce relaxation.
Together, these elements create a personalized cleansing environment that feels more like entering a wellness capsule than using a piece of hygiene equipment.
These features make it attractive not only to individuals seeking innovative self-care routines but also to industries such as luxury hotels, spas, and wellness centers that want to offer premium technology-driven experiences.
Commercialization and Market Reception
The strong public response at the Osaka Expo triggered immediate commercial interest. A US-based resort company contacted Science soon after the prototype reveal, expressing interest in bringing the product into hospitality environments. This helped accelerate the transition from concept to production.
The first unit has already been purchased by a hotel in Osaka, where it will be offered as part of the guest experience. This signals a growing trend of integrating wellness technology into high-end hospitality services.
Japan’s major electronics retailer Yamada Denki has also ordered units for its stores to showcase the machine to tech-oriented customers. However, Science confirmed that availability will be limited. Only about 50 units will be manufactured, emphasizing exclusivity and protecting the product’s premium status.
The retail price is expected to be around 60 million yen, which is approximately 385,000 US dollars. This places it firmly in the luxury category and positions it for hotels, wellness resorts, medical rehabilitation centers, and wealthy early adopters rather than the general market.
Despite the steep price, the machine’s novelty, cultural significance, and futuristic design guarantee continued public curiosity and media coverage. SquaredTech expects that technologies like this will influence new directions in personal care, automated wellness, and hospitality experiences worldwide.
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