It might sound like a futuristic invention, but Sanyo presented its washing-machine
for humans way back in 1970.
Officially named Ultrasonic Bath, this human washing machine was introduced as a concept at
the 1970 World Expo in Osaka. It was about 2 meters tall and the bather had to use a ladder to
get in. After the desired water temperature was set, the 15-minutes-washing process would
begin. First a 5-minutes pre-rinse cycle, spraying the baither with jets of hot water. After that
the pod-shaped washing-machine filled up with water and a 3-minute massage-bath began.
The soothing massage was supposed to stimulate blood circulation while cleaning your body.
A 2-minutes rinse process followerd, and finally a 5-minutes drying program, in which warm
air blasted the user, while infrared and ultraviolet light killed any remaining bacteria.
Unfortunately the Sanyo Ultrasonic Bath never made it into our homes, but the Japanese
company did release HIRB (Human In Roll-lo Bathing), a compact washing machine for
humans, used in elderly homes.