Japan Introduces "Human Washing Machine", 15 Minute Body Cleansing Capsules

This human washing machine was developed by a company from Osaka, Science Co. This device resembles a combination of a bathtub with features similar to an automatic car washer. (PC World/Science Co)

Japan introduced a "human washing machine" at World Expo 2025 Osaka, a 2.3-meter-long automatic body cleansing capsule that can clean and soothe users in 15 minutes using microbubbles, gentle steam, music and vital signs monitoring sensors. 

This device made by Science Co is priced at around 60 million yen and is limited to only 50 units produced. Despite attracting more than 40,000 trial requests, the large size and high price mean the technology is not yet suitable for household use. 

- Japan is again showing off unique innovations. The Land of the Rising Sun introduced the "Human Washing Machine" device. 

The device is an automatic body cleansing capsule that debuted at the World Expo 2025 Osaka last week. This human washing machine has dimensions of 2.3 meters long and is designed to clean and relax users in around 15 minutes. 

This human washing machine was developed by a company from Osaka, Science Co. This device resembles a combination of a bathtub with features similar to an automatic car washer. 

Inside there are chairs for users to sit and relax. During the washing process, microbubbles and fine steam will be sprayed evenly over the body. 

This device's internal sensors will monitor the user's vital signs. This human washing machine will also play songs and display soothing visuals to provide a relaxing effect. 

Then at the end of the session, this human washing machine can also dry the body automatically. 

The company's spokesperson, Sachiko Maekura, said that the device not only aims to cleanse the body, but also "cleanse the soul" by monitoring the user's vital condition throughout the process. 

The concept was a development of a similar idea that had been exhibited at the 1970 Expo in Osaka, but was not mass produced at that time. 

Although eye-catching, human washing machines are not intended for the general market. The Japan Times reported that this device is priced at around 60 million yen or around 385,000 US dollars. 

Due to its price and complexity, Science Co only produced 50 units in the initial phase. One of the first units was purchased by a hotel in Osaka. 

World Expo 2025 recorded more than 40,000 requests to try out this machine. However, whether this technology can replace conventional showers in everyday life is still a big question. 

Large size and high price are thought to be the main barriers to household adoption, summarized by KompasTekno from PC World.