Ever dreamt of an "automatic bathing machine"? Especially as the weather cools, just the thought of stripping down for a shower can be a struggle. Imagine a device you could just lie in, and it handles all the scrubbing for you – sounds pretty sweet, right?
This year's World Expo in Japan saw a "human washing machine" (or "automatic bathing machine") grab serious attention. Everyone was curious about this futuristic-sounding experience, and now, the device has officially landed at Osaka's "Dotonbori Crystal Hotel III," sparking a buzz across social media.
Developed by Science Co., Ltd., this "automatic bathing machine" was an absolute showstopper at the Expo. It combines bubbles, warm mist, and a "swaying bath" that gently envelops your entire body in water streams, delivering a truly futuristic spa experience. Visitors who missed out on a slot were practically begging for another chance! Originally, the product was envisioned for medical and care settings, aiming to assist the elderly and those with mobility issues. The price tag? A cool 60 million yen.
To bring this "future tech" vibe into everyday life, the hotel has installed the device in a special room type. It promises an immersive relaxation experience focused on "cleansing, healing, and rebalancing" – stepping in feels like a trip to a near-future spa. Talk about sci-fi luxury!
If you're curious about what the experience is actually like, check out this demo video showing how it went down at the World Expo.
You can try it out now! A 90-minute session costs 18,000 yen and can accommodate up to four people, with each person getting about 20 minutes of bathing time (including water filling). Bookings are online only and require a minimum of two people. Bringing the "human washing machine" into their rooms is a prime example of Dotonbori Crystal Hotel's focus on "experiential stays."
While plenty of netizens joked about getting stuck inside or turning it into an assassination device, many are genuinely eager to try out this tech. After all, automatic bathing sounds pretty dreamy! Others pointed out it might be a godsend for those who just can't be bothered to shower.
While it sounds like a lazy person's dream come true, widespread adoption might be a long way off. It'll definitely take time to see if "automatic bathing" is just a novelty for the truly shower-averse or if there's a genuine, broader demand for it.
via： 株式会社サイエンス