27 votes

Japan unveils human washing machine, now you can get washed like laundry

16 comments

  1. [2]
    macleod
    Link
    One of the reasons Japan is by far the expert in robotics and consumer automation is because of their aging population. This is very obviously designed for the elderly and disabled, and by god i...

    One of the reasons Japan is by far the expert in robotics and consumer automation is because of their aging population. This is very obviously designed for the elderly and disabled, and by god i want ten.

    10 votes
    1. CannibalisticApple
      Link Parent
      The article says it's considered a novelty so only 50 units will be produced, but that's a really good point! Hopefully the current success and popularity of this model will lead the way to some...

      The article says it's considered a novelty so only 50 units will be produced, but that's a really good point! Hopefully the current success and popularity of this model will lead the way to some cheaper, less fancy versions being produced.

      6 votes
  2. [9]
    lou
    Link
    I can see that as a novelty in luxury spas and such. I do wonder semi-seriously why there is no "baby washer" for the home, though. It could be basically a washing machine with the opening on the...

    I can see that as a novelty in luxury spas and such.

    I do wonder semi-seriously why there is no "baby washer" for the home, though. It could be basically a washing machine with the opening on the top. You put the baby, the head goes through an opening on the lid. Press a button and three minutes later, clean baby!

    (You still have to clean the head and face manually, but still... that would be pretty handy!).

    9 votes
    1. [7]
      TaylorSwiftsPickles
      Link Parent
      I'm sure the baby will find a way to get in danger, in typical baby fashion

      I'm sure the baby will find a way to get in danger, in typical baby fashion

      20 votes
      1. [4]
        lou
        Link Parent
        What about a Toddler Washer? That might be safer and still very useful!

        What about a Toddler Washer? That might be safer and still very useful!

        2 votes
        1. [3]
          AugustusFerdinand
          Link Parent
          Be even more dangerous. Babies are at risk of just falling over and being in danger, every toddler I've ever known seems to be actively trying to kill itself in new and creative ways every day.

          Be even more dangerous. Babies are at risk of just falling over and being in danger, every toddler I've ever known seems to be actively trying to kill itself in new and creative ways every day.

          7 votes
          1. lou
            Link Parent
            That is true. I was thinking more that they can stand, their necks actually hold their heads, etc :P

            That is true. I was thinking more that they can stand, their necks actually hold their heads, etc :P

            1 vote
          2. boxer_dogs_dance
            Link Parent
            There is a video game about that dynamic. Dad vs baby. Baby tries to die. Dad tries to save baby

            There is a video game about that dynamic. Dad vs baby. Baby tries to die. Dad tries to save baby

            1 vote
      2. [2]
        tauon
        Link Parent
        Stupid humans, why did our heads have to get so big! Imagine if babies were born actually useful and not mentally and physically draining 24/7, and rather instead came with ≈2 more years of human...

        Stupid humans, why did our heads have to get so big!

        Imagine if babies were born actually useful and not mentally and physically draining 24/7, and rather instead came with ≈2 more years of human capabilities already developed, putting us on par with just about every other mammal ever. Like, still exhausting, that’s a toddler and everything, but generally doable without losing your mind…

        A giraffe’s baby doesn’t need constant attention for a year before it will so much as attempt to walk around either, and it even does so after experiencing a high up drop first thing upon entering the world!

        1 vote
        1. slade
          Link Parent
          For me, I needed those two years as a ramp up period for what I was about to get into. Like the click click click part at the beginning of a roller coaster. I could not have handled a two year old...

          For me, I needed those two years as a ramp up period for what I was about to get into. Like the click click click part at the beginning of a roller coaster. I could not have handled a two year old terrorist without the extra time.

          5 votes
    2. 1338
      Link Parent
      You could always go to one of those dog washing machines at a pet store and claim you have an exotic hairless breed.

      You could always go to one of those dog washing machines at a pet store and claim you have an exotic hairless breed.

      6 votes
  3. [2]
    Aerrol
    Link
    But how does it wash the part resting against the chair? If it's spraying you that sounds rather uncomfortable.

    But how does it wash the part resting against the chair? If it's spraying you that sounds rather uncomfortable.

    3 votes
    1. MimicSquid
      Link Parent
      Depends on the level of pressure. It doesn't have to power wash you to get you clean. Bidets work just fine. Looking at the image in the article, there's clearly piping in the seat to insure both...

      Depends on the level of pressure. It doesn't have to power wash you to get you clean. Bidets work just fine. Looking at the image in the article, there's clearly piping in the seat to insure both drainage and cleanliness of the seat bits. It may not clean the backs of the thighs perfectly, but for people who need showers and can't stand up for them it's a big step forward. Not at $350k, but presumably there will be cheaper models over time.

      2 votes
  4. [2]
    Akir
    Link
    Isn’t this old news? I swear this comes up every few months for at least two years, if not 3. The thing about this thing is that it’s basically all marketing. The cleaning agent - microbubbles -...

    Isn’t this old news? I swear this comes up every few months for at least two years, if not 3.

    The thing about this thing is that it’s basically all marketing. The cleaning agent - microbubbles - has been around for quite a few years and you can buy a bathtub with a microbubble pump in it right now - Jason International sells it under the name of Microsilk.

    Microbubbles are pretty cool though. It’s something to try out if you get the chance. Medspas sometimes have them as a service but they charge a pretty penny for the privilege.

    I’m pretty sure that mist doesn’t clean you though.

    1. SloMoMonday
      Link Parent
      I remember microbubbles coming up when I worked on a hydroponics/aquaponics project. One of the concerns was root rot due to lack of oxygen. The microbubbles don't float to the surface and can be...

      I remember microbubbles coming up when I worked on a hydroponics/aquaponics project. One of the concerns was root rot due to lack of oxygen. The microbubbles don't float to the surface and can be maintained in solution for several weeks. It could also be fine tuned to replicate the soil conditions so it was great for leafy veggies, tomatoes and there was plans for a few herb trials.
      It was fun but the client went under before we could even get started on the interesting stuff like the bubble cocktail and solution staging.

      2 votes
  5. CptBluebear
    Link
    It's almost like the joke wrote itself when the company name is "Science"! Pretty cool stuff though. I can see the application for people having difficulties doing this themselves. Or just me...

    It's almost like the joke wrote itself when the company name is "Science"!

    Pretty cool stuff though. I can see the application for people having difficulties doing this themselves.

    Or just me cause I'm lazy and lying down while getting showered sounds p good.