The “person washer”, a washing machine for human beings

A robotic bathtub that promises to relax, clean and dry you in 15 minutes flat. Such an idea can only come from Japan. Perhaps the most maniacal country for everything related to cleanliness.

The “person wash” looks like a bathtub box with a sort of cover to prevent splashing everywhere. We go inside. We put on the cleaning program and relax. Dozens of swirling jets of water will start. They are obviously soft and airy, are designed to clean you without the need to scrub, nothing like a Kärcher. The cycle lasts 15 minutes. At the end, we are gently dried by a small flow of hot air. All that's missing are the candles and rose petals.

It’s true that this may seem like a gimmick. But when you think about it, it could be very practical for washing the elderly or people with disabilities. All those who do not have the ability to wash themselves. We also think of teenagers who are often allergic to showering. There, it would become as fun as a hot tub. It's a concept developed by Japan's Science Corp, a shower head specialist, but the idea is not that new. It is inspired by a prototype presented by Sanyo during the Osaka World Expo in 1970 even if this machine was never marketed. Its technology has simply been applied to dishwashers.
Today, we want to bring it up to date with the argument of saving water. Since this washing machine allows people to take a bath while consuming less water than a shower.

There is always trepidation with a new concept. We were afraid of the first electric toothbrushes, the first car wash stations. And look today. So we'll see.
In any case, if you want to test this “person wash” in a real situation. It will be at the Osaka Kansai World Expo in April 2025. Marketing will follow shortly after.