A bathing innovation from the 1970 Osaka World Expo is making a comeback, reimagined for the digital age. Science Co., Ltd. has unveiled the Future Human Washing Machine, an automated bathing system that will debut at the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025. Unlike its predecessor, the Ultrasonic Bath displayed in Sanyo’s pavilion over 50 years ago, this next-generation device aims to revive body and mind through an intricate combination of sensors and environmental controls.
The machine monitors a user’s heart rate and other vitals throughout the bathing experience, using the data to control water flow and select visuals projected inside the space. Science Co., Ltd. claims the optimized environment allows people to emerge feeling revived and rejuvenated. Its development team includes Eiji Yamaya, one of the original Ultrasonic Bath engineers.
While the original 1970s concept never achieved widespread adoption, its fine bubble technology made its way into showerheads sold by Science Co., Ltd. Beyond next year’s expo, the Future Human Washing Machine could deliver real value to understaffed care facilities, where time for assisted bathing is frequently under pressure. Given the choice, patients might welcome a gentle and unrushed cleansing experience provided by an automated tub.
