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| The shower robot is set to go on sale in Japan at the end of December for the equivalent of around $384,000. |
What if your morning shower could scan your vital signs, play calming music, and use space-age technology to deep-clean your pores—all while you stand perfectly still? What first looks like a space capsule or a sleek, futuristic boat is actually one of the most advanced bathing systems in the world, and it’s poised to redefine wellness and accessibility.
Developed by the Japanese firm Science Co., this isn't just a high-tech bathtub; it's a fully automated shower robot that cleans and dries the entire body in just 15 minutes. Ditching traditional brushes or cloths, the system relies on a gentle yet powerful barrage of ultra-fine microbubbles. These tiny bubbles are designed to penetrate deeply, lifting away dirt, oils, and dead skin cells from within the pores themselves, promising a level of cleanliness that surpasses a standard scrub.
A common first reaction might be skepticism: a regular shower gets the job done in less time, after all. But proponents argue the experience inside this cleansing capsule transcends basic hygiene. While it washes and dries the body, the robot simultaneously monitors the user's heart rate. It aims to provide a holistic, calming wellness session, complete with ambient music, dynamic lighting effects, and integrated displays—a far cry from a routine rinse-off. A recent demonstration video on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, offering a fascinating glimpse into the serene, almost sci-fi process.
First unveiled to global audiences at Expo 2025 Osaka, the cleaning capsule is expected to find an initial home in high-end wellness centers and spas. However, its most transformative potential may lie in caregiving. Because the entire process is hands-free and requires no physical effort from the user, it could provide dignified, independent bathing support for elderly individuals and people with disabilities, particularly within assisted living facilities.
Exhibition and Staggering Price Tag
The journey from expo prototype to commercial reality is now beginning. Yamaha Holding, a titan of Japanese electronics manufacturing, has announced that the machine will be publicly displayed starting December 25, 2025. This exhibition will give potential institutional buyers their first chance to see the "human washing machine" up close.
The price point, however, confirms its status as a luxury and specialized piece of equipment. A single unit is set at approximately 60 million yen, which translates to a staggering $384,000 (subject to exchange rates). Mass production is not on the cards. In its first year, only 40 to 50 units are slated for production, with sales targeted exclusively at luxury hotels, premium onsen (hot spring baths), and care facilities. Reports indicate a prominent hotel in Osaka has already placed an order.
For now, the futuristic shower remains firmly in the realm of commercial and institutional use. As reported by The Japan Times, the developers are considering a smaller, more affordable version for private homes in the distant future, but neither this model nor an official consumer sales launch has been confirmed.
The emergence of this technology sparks a conversation about the future of daily rituals. It blends cutting-edge cleaning science with biometric wellness tracking and accessible design, packaged in a capsule that looks like it sailed off a movie set. While its astronomical cost ensures it won't be appearing in suburban bathrooms anytime soon, it serves as a striking prototype for what’s possible when robotics, wellness, and compassionate design converge. The era of automated, experiential bathing may have just begun.
Japan really said ‘self-care, but make it sci-fi’. A machine that washes humans in 15 minutes… at this point my washing machine is jealous. pic.twitter.com/29SfQa4uyP
— HUMOR (@naturel_1919) November 28, 2025