Credit: Science Co./Cover Images Japan has unveiled a bizarre new invention that promises to revolutionise the way we wash — a fully automated human washing machine that scrubs, rinses, and soothes you without lifting so much as a finger. The futuristic pod, officially called the Human Washer of the Future — or Mirai Ningen Sentakuki in Japanese — looks like a cross between a high-tech bathtub and a sci-fi spa capsule. Once you climb in, the door seals shut and warm water automatically fills the tub, gently washing you with soap before rinsing it all away. Created by Science Co., a Japanese bathroom fixture manufacturer, the bizarre contraption is currently drawing huge crowds at the 2025 Osaka Expo, where it’s on display for the first time. Company representatives say the machine uses microscopic bubbles to remove dirt and cleanse the skin — no scrubbing or movement required. Inside the pod, users are treated to a multisensory experience. A built-in projector displays calming visuals such as rolling ocean waves and golden sunsets, while immersive speakers play soothing nature sounds. Precision sensors constantly measure the water level, temperature, and flow rate, keeping the soak at a perfect 100°F (38°C) before cooling slightly for a refreshing rinse. The company says the idea isn’t just about luxury — it’s also about wellness and sustainability. The machine recycles and filters water during each cycle to minimise waste, while integrated sensors track both physical and mental well-being, displaying the results on-screen. According to Science Co., the concept is deeply rooted in Japan’s centuries-old bathing culture, where cleanliness and relaxation are intertwined. “We wanted to blend tradition with technology,” the firm explained, noting that the project was inspired by a similar prototype shown at the 1970 Japan World Expo by Sanyo Electric Co. — one that never reached commercial release. Now, decades later, Science Co. chairman Yasauki Aoyama has revived the dream with modern sensor technology and automation. Early reactions have been overwhelmingly positive: a company poll revealed that eight out of ten users were delighted with the experience, while another one in five described it as satisfactory. So far, six orders have already been placed for hotels and leisure facilities across Japan, with the company hoping to roll out a mass-market version after the Expo. As for the price? Science Co. is keeping quiet, but hinted it’s “about the same as a luxury imported car.” Aoyama believes it could soon become the centrepiece of futuristic hotels and spas. “This is not just a machine,” he said. “It’s a new way to relax, refresh, and rethink what bathing can be.”