Science Company began selling the Mirai bathing machine, which acts as a high-tech automatic spa bath, helping to clean the body in about 15 minutes.
The Mirai shower machine was first revealed at the World Exhibition taking place in Osaka from April 13 to October 13. The machine attracted so much attention that Science decided to commercialize it.
The machine helps clean the body from head to toe in 15 minutes. Users just need to step into the tub and lean back on the chair. The machine will close and start spraying micro foam, then rinse and dry, while playing relaxing music. The foam can penetrate into pores, removing oil, dirt and dead skin. This is high-end Japanese spa technology that has been applied in bathrooms and salons.
Mirai shower machine from Japanese company Science. Image: AFP
According to Sachiko Maekura, a spokesperson for Science, Mirai not only cleanses the body but also benefits the mind. The machine can also monitor heart rate and other vital metrics to increase safety and comfort.
The idea of a shower machine first appeared at the Osaka World Exhibition in 1970, introduced by Sanyo Electric (now Panasonic Holdings). Yasuaki Aoyama, President of Science, saw this concept as a child and decided to revive it with modern technology.
The bathtub is 2.5 m long, 1 m wide and 2.6 m high, large enough for most users to lie comfortably. The machine is expected to cost 60 million yen (385,000 USD), targeting the luxury commercial spa market, and can be used in high-end hotels, resorts, amusement parks, and health spas instead of in the home.
Science said it will produce a limited number of 40-50 units, each assembled by hand. A hotel in Osaka committed to purchasing the first machine and is preparing to provide the service to guests. Another 5-8 units have also been ordered, including consumer electronics retail chain Yamada Denki, hoping the device will attract people to the store. Science said that as technology advances and mass production becomes more feasible, they may release a cheaper model for the home.