Science, a Japanese technology company specializing in bathroom and kitchen innovation, recently unveiled plans to produce a washing machine for humans. Believe it or not, the concept of a human washing machine isn’t new. At the 1970 Osaka Expo, Japanese electronics giant Sanyo Electric showcased its “Ultrasonic Bath” — a human washing machine that cleaned, massaged, and dried the occupant in a fully-automated 15-minute cycle. The concept never really took off as a commercial product, but now Science wants to take a shot at it, promising to deliver a modern take on the human washing machine by 2025. Project Usoyaro’s goal is not only to thoroughly clean the body of the user, but also to provide a healing space where people can relax and unwind to the sound of soothing music while viewing images displayed on a water-resistant display inside the machine. Sensors inside the washing machine will measure the state of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and the built-in AI will use the collected data to create the most comfortable atmosphere possible. Science expects that Project Usoyaro will result in a functional human washing machine by 2024, which the company hopes to showcase at the 2025 Osaka Expo.
