A Japanese company, Science, has begun commercial production of its futuristic human washing machine following its popularity at the recently concluded World Expo in Osaka.
The invention, which allows users to lie inside a pod that cleans the body while playing soothing music, attracted long queues throughout the six-month Expo that ended in October after drawing more than 27 million visitors. The machine cleans users without spinning them like traditional laundry appliances.
Science spokesperson Sachiko Maekura said the device is an upgraded version of a similar concept displayed at the 1970 Osaka Expo. She noted that the company’s president was inspired by the earlier model as a child and decided to bring the idea to life decades later.
Maekura described the machine as one that “not only washes your body but also your soul,” adding that it can monitor heartbeats and other vital signs during use.
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Interest from a US resort company prompted Science to commercialise the prototype. According to the company, the first unit has already been purchased by a hotel in Osaka, which plans to offer the service to guests. Major Japanese electronics retailer Yamada Denki has also placed an order, hoping the novelty will draw customers to its stores.
The company intends to produce only about 50 units to maintain exclusivity. Local media reported that each machine will retail for around 60 million yen (approximately $385,000).