Remember that 'human washing machine' that went absolutely viral at the Japan 2025 World Expo? It was a futuristic SPA experience, combining bubbles, warm mist, and a 'swaying bath' that gently enveloped your entire body. Visitors who couldn't snag a slot were practically begging for another chance.
Well, get ready to empty your wallets! Today (February 26), Science Co., Ltd., the brilliant minds behind this 'automatic bathing machine,' announced it's officially available for general purchase. For a cool ¥60 million (that's roughly $400,000 USD!), you can now bring this sci-fi fantasy, this ultimate lazy-person's dream, right into your home.
Powered by Science Co., Ltd.'s proprietary "Fine Bubble micro-bubble technology," the entire bathing process takes about 15 minutes. It generates negatively charged ultra-fine bubbles that automatically scrub away all the grime – no effort required from you. Basically, you just lie back and let the machine do all the work.
Curious what it's actually like? Check out this demo video, showing off how it worked during its World Expo debut.
Once you're in, back sensors monitor your ECG, with the system automatically adjusting water flow based on your physiological data. It even plays custom visuals and music tailored to your mental state, designed to help you relax both mind and body. And when you're done? Automatic drainage and drying. This isn't just a bath; it's a full-blown, high-tech mind-body therapy session.
But as soon as the news of its general release dropped, many netizens couldn't help but jokingly ask, "What if I get stuck inside?" Clearly, some lingering sci-fi anxieties about this futuristic contraption remain.
Still, that ¥60 million price tag has left many scratching their heads. An automatic bath for 60 million yen? That's a serious deterrent, practically the cost of a house! While most are curious and would love to try it, they can't help but feel this is purely a "rich person's toy."
Interestingly, the product is also envisioned for medical and nursing care applications, with hopes of assisting the elderly and those with mobility challenges. If it can truly serve that purpose, it's an incredible invention – but for now, the price tag is simply astronomical.
So, while it sounds like the ultimate lazy-day dream, this 'human washing machine' has a long, bubbly road ahead before it hits mainstream. The big question remains: Is 'automatic bathing' a genuine need, or just a luxurious indulgence for the extremely lazy? Only time will tell!
via： ヤマダデンキ