Japan has always had a knack for blending futuristic innovation with deep-rooted cultural traditions, and nowhere is this more apparent than in its latest marvel: an AI-powered human washing machine that promises to transform personal hygiene as we know it. Introduced by Science Co.—a well-known Japanese bathroom fixture manufacturer—this so-called “Human Washer of the Future” made its public debut at the 2025 Osaka Expo, drawing crowds, curiosity, and a fair share of raised eyebrows.
The concept is as bold as it is unconventional. Imagine stepping into a transparent, oversized pod—something between a sci-fi sleep chamber and a luxury bathtub. You recline into a plush, contoured seat, and the canopy closes over you, cocooning you in privacy. The system fills partially with warm water, and then the real magic begins. High-speed jets release microscopic air bubbles that burst gently on your skin, scrubbing away dirt and impurities without the need for any manual effort. Meanwhile, the machine’s built-in projector displays calming visuals—ocean waves, sunsets, or soothing shorelines—on the interior walls, while soft sounds flow from hidden speakers. It’s a spa, a bath, and a wellness pod rolled into one.
According to a report by Ashahi Shimbun, the device—officially named ‘Mirai Ningen Sentakuki’—is powered by artificial intelligence that customizes each session. The AI takes into account your skin type, physical parameters, and even your emotional state, which it gauges through built-in sensors. It adjusts the water’s temperature, pressure, and flow rate in real time, ensuring comfort and safety throughout the approximately 15-minute experience. If you’re stressed, the AI might lower the lights and play a more tranquil scene; if your skin is sensitive, it’ll soften the jets. The goal? To create a hands-free, spa-like ritual that leaves you both clean and deeply relaxed.
This isn’t the first time Japan has flirted with the idea of automated bathing. The inspiration for today’s high-tech pod comes from a similar device introduced by Sanyo Electric at the 1970 Japan World Expo. That early prototype relied on hot water, bubbles, and plastic massage balls to offer a soothing clean, but it never made it beyond the expo floor. Fast forward more than half a century, and Science Co.’s chairman, Yasauki Aoyama, has reimagined the concept for a new era—one where automation, personalization, and sustainability are all the rage.
At the Osaka Expo, the Human Washer quickly became a crowd favorite. Over 1,000 visitors had the opportunity to try it, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. As Sora News 24 reported, “Users sit back in the tub that automatically fills up and sprays them with water after to wash soap away. There are also sensors to detect physical and mental wellness as you bathe. These are projected onto the screen.” The company has already received orders for six units destined for hotels and leisure facilities across Japan, including one in Osaka itself. The vision is to make the device a staple in high-end hospitality, with future plans for a home-use version already in the works.
But what about the price tag? Unsurprisingly, this level of luxury doesn’t come cheap. Science Co. told reporters that the device costs “about the same as a luxury imported car”—a detail that will likely restrict early adoption to affluent customers, luxury hotels, or specialty wellness centers. Still, reservations for the futuristic bathtub are open, and the company is optimistic about mass production after the Expo. A more affordable, home-oriented version is also being developed, though specific release dates and pricing remain unconfirmed.
Beyond comfort and novelty, the Human Washer is also designed with sustainability in mind. The system recycles and filters water throughout the washing process, minimizing waste—a nod to the growing importance of environmental consciousness in product design. The machine’s advanced precision sensors ensure that only the necessary amount of water and energy are used, and the temperature is kept at a consistent 100 degrees Fahrenheit for soaking, gently lowered during the rinse cycle for a refreshing finish. All of this is done without any manual controls; the process is entirely automated from start to finish.
For some, the appeal is obvious. Busy professionals, people with limited mobility, and anyone who values efficiency might see the Human Washer as a game changer. The ability to wash and dry in just 15 minutes could be a boon for those who are always on the go or for care facilities looking to streamline hygiene routines. “The ability to wash and dry in 15 minutes could attract those who value efficiency, such as busy professionals or those with limited mobility,” Ashahi Shimbun noted.
Yet, as with any disruptive technology, there are hurdles to overcome. Many people cherish the ritual of a traditional bath—the scents, the sensations, the quiet moments of reflection. Trusting a machine to handle something so personal may be a leap for some. There are also concerns about the accuracy of AI in gauging physical and emotional states. If the sensors misread a user’s mood or comfort level, the experience could fall short of expectations, leading to discomfort or dissatisfaction. As the Ashahi Shimbun article put it, “AI-based technology can sometimes struggle with accuracy. Errors in measuring the user's physical and emotional state could lead to discomfort or dissatisfaction.”
Despite these challenges, the excitement is palpable. The Human Washer’s debut has sparked conversations about the future of hygiene—not just in Japan, but globally. Will such devices become commonplace in households, or will they remain niche luxuries for the select few? For now, Science Co. is betting on the former, banking on continued advances in AI, automation, and user-centered design to drive broader adoption.
As Science Co. continues to refine the technology and expand its reach, the Human Washer stands as a testament to Japan’s enduring spirit of innovation. Whether it becomes a fixture in homes or remains a symbol of futuristic luxury, it’s clear that the boundaries of what’s possible in personal care are being pushed ever further—one bubble at a time.
