A bizarre new device dubbed a “human washing machine” has gone on sale in Japan. Its developers claim the machine can clean a person from head to toe in just 15 minutes.
The device resembles a fighter-jet cockpit and utilises powerful micro-bubble technology to remove dirt and grime from the skin. It carries a staggering price tag of £290,000 (approximately 60 million Japanese yen).
The machine measures about 8.2 feet long and 3.28 feet wide. This size provides enough space for most individuals to lie down comfortably inside the pod. Japanese firm Science Co. manufactures the device. The company confirms that the product is a real, functional machine, not a generative AI concept. It operates as an automatic personal spa, completing a full wash-and-dry cycle in minutes.
Science Co. has limited the initial production run to 40-50 units. It acknowledges that the device’s colossal price point makes it unsuitable for mass production in its current form.
A new #humanwashingmachine from Japan can wash your entire body in just 15 minutes. You simply need to lie inside the capsule while microbubbles, sensors, and a preset routine handles the whole bath for you.
The post Too lazy to shower? This human… https://t.co/OOTPLrcRao
— Digital Trends (@DigitalTrends) December 2, 2025However, the company expressed optimism about the future. If it can establish efficient mass-production systems, a more affordable home-use model could emerge.
The human washing machine employs technology similar to that used in industrial systems for cleaning sensitive electrical components. It generates three-micrometre air bubbles that burst upon contact with the skin. This bursting action creates a small yet powerful pressure wave that lifts and removes dirt from the body’s surface.
The machine also incorporates distinct safety features. It includes technology to monitor the user’s heartbeat while inside the pod, ensuring well-being throughout the cleaning process. The concept of an automated human cleaner is not entirely new. According to a DailyMail report, the Sanyo Electric Co. first unveiled a similar “human washing machine” concept at the Japan World Exhibition back in 1970.
