Osaka, Japan – A Japanese firm is poised to redefine personal hygiene with the unveiling of a fully automated “human washing machine,” first showcased at Expo 2025 and already generating buzz within the hospitality sector. Dubbed “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki,” the device represents a revival of a concept originally presented at the 1970 Osaka Expo, now realized with cutting-edge AI and microbubble technology. While a luxury purchase currently, with a price tag rivaling that of a high-end car, early adopters include Japanese hotels anticipating installations as early as 2026.
Osaka, Japan – A Japanese technology firm is pioneering a radical new approach to personal hygiene with the unveiling of a “human washing machine,” potentially reshaping the future of showers and spa experiences. Science Inc., based in Osaka, showcased the device at Expo 2025, sparking interest from the hospitality industry and raising questions about the evolution of daily routines.
The device, dubbed “Mirai Ningen Sentakuki” – translating to “human washing machine of the future” – is a fully automated capsule designed to wash and dry a person in approximately 15 minutes without the need for scrubbing or extensive water usage. This innovation builds upon a similar concept exhibited at the Osaka Expo in 1970, but incorporates significantly more advanced technology.
A New Era of Automated Hygiene
The system operates by enveloping the user in a capsule featuring a reclined seat. Once inside and the cabin is sealed, the machine initiates a cleaning process utilizing temperature-controlled water mixed with ultrasonic microbubbles. According to the company, these microbubbles are capable of penetrating skin pores to lift away dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells without harsh friction or large amounts of soap.
“It’s a modern scientific reproduction of the human washing machine that was exhibited at the Osaka Expo in 1970, which became a phenomenon, but now incorporates even more futuristic functions,” Science Inc. explained in promotional materials.
Throughout the 15-minute cycle, sensors monitor the user’s physiological data, including heart rate and bodily reactions. Leveraging artificial intelligence, the system dynamically adjusts water temperature, flow intensity, ambient lighting, and even projects music or images within the capsule to enhance relaxation. The company emphasizes that the goal extends beyond mere cleanliness, aiming to create a spa-like experience focused on emotional wellbeing.
The technology hinges on the properties of the microbubbles. “These microbubbles slowly rise to the surface of the water at a speed of only a few centimeters per minute. Many of these microbubbles have a negative charge, which has been confirmed in our research centers. Organic matter, on the other hand, has a positive charge, so the bubbles adhere to it, remove it, and then rise to the surface along with that dirt,” the company stated.
Following the wash cycle, the device automatically rinses and dries the user, leaving them ready to exit and get dressed. The integrated sensors measure biometric data in real-time, optimizing the environment to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Images are projected based on the user’s physical and mental state, and water flow is adjusted based on their reactions, creating a personalized experience.
While the “human washing machine” is unlikely to replace traditional showers in the immediate future, the technology represents a significant step toward automated personal care. Science Co. has already confirmed sales of several units to hotels and wellness centers in Japan, with the first commercial installation slated for a hotel in Osaka in 2026.
However, widespread adoption in private homes is currently hindered by the high cost – comparable to that of a luxury vehicle – and the lack of mass production capabilities. “In the future, if the technology continues to evolve and systems of mass production are established, there is a possibility that a more affordable model for home use will emerge,” the company noted.
The development underscores a growing trend toward technologically advanced wellness solutions, and could potentially disrupt the hospitality and personal care industries. Despite the current price point, the innovation signals a potential shift in how individuals approach hygiene and self-care in the coming decades.
