Photo/Illutration Yasuaki Aoyama, chairman of Science Co., sits inside a commercial version of “Mirai (Future) Human Washing Machine” designed for nursing facilities in Osaka on Dec. 16. (Kazuhito Suwa)

OSAKA--Caregivers at nursing facilities can soon get a helping hand from a "human washing machine" that won praise at the recent 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo.,

Science Co. headquartered here announced on Dec. 16 that it is launching an updated commercial version of its “Mirai (Future) Human Washing Machine” designed for nursing facilities next March.

The new model is meant to help caregivers and includes select features of the one showcased at the Osaka expo. 

One unit is priced at 1,595,000 yen ($10,300) including tax, excluding installation costs, and the company's goal is to sell 500 units in the first year after release.

The box-shaped bath measures 99 centimeters in height, 124 cm in length, 65 cm in width and weighs about 100 kilograms.

The side door opens inward, allowing users to enter without having to step over an edge.

Once seated inside, hot water infused with microbubbles fills the machine, rinsing dirt off the bather without using soap or shampoo. The bath is also equipped with four shower pieces for the bather's head, which remains above the waterline.

The original human washing machine model was showcased at the 1970 Japan World Exposition in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, but the model was not put into practical use.

“I wanted to help alleviate the heavy labor involved in assisting elderly bathing,” said Yasuaki Aoyama, chairman of the company, who aims to make the machine widespread in nursing care facilities.

The model exhibited at the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo was shaped like a fighter jet cockpit and allowed users to try it in 15-minute sessions.

In the company’s survey, most of the 1,277 participants who experienced the machine at the expo said they were satisfied, saying their skin felt smoother after using it. 

Science said it has no plans for mass sales of this version that has a price tag that rivals a luxury import car. So far, eight hotels in Osaka have purchased it.

The company said it is also developing another model intended for ordinary households with a projected launch as early as 2026.

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