Wild human washing machine promises to rinse you clean in 15 minutes

In context: Back in 1970, a futuristic "human washing machine" called the Ultrasonic Bath caused a sensation at the Japan World Exposition. The egg-shaped pod was developed and exhibited by Sanyo Electric Co., now known as Panasonic Holdings Corp. When someone climbed inside, it would automatically fill with hot water, blast them with ultrasound waves, and release massage balls to knead their body. Over 50 years later, this peculiar invention is making a comeback with a high-tech upgrade.

While it never really took off commercially after 1970, the human washing machine concept clearly made an impression on at least one young visitor from Osaka – Yasuaki Aoyama. Japanese publication Asahi Shimbun reports that as a fourth-grader, he was entranced watching the baths in action. Over 50 years later, Aoyama is now the chairman of Science Co., a showerhead manufacturing firm.

Aoyama is determined to finally make his childhood dream a reality ...