It may sound like something futuristic and strange, but it's absolutely true - Sanyo introduced its washing machine to humans back in 1970. The presentation of "Ultra Sonic Bus", a washing machine for people, took place at the Sanyo Pavilion at the Osaka Expo. The 1970 exhibition was positioned as one of the symbols of the high economic growth of post-war Japan.
The washing machine, officially called the "Ultrasonic Bath", was of course just a concept for a new type of bathtub designed to attract attention and surprise. It was about 2 meters high, and those who wanted to “wash” had to use the stairs to get inside.
It should be noted that the bathing process was observed by many people. The bather needed to muster up courage, not only to overcome heights and fear of the miracle of technology, but also banal so as not to be shy.
The doors were closed and the process began. After reaching the desired water temperature, a 15 minute “wash” process began. First, a 5-minute pre-wash cycle, which was organized by spraying with jets of hot water. Then the "capsule" "Ultra Sonic Bus" was filled with water and followed by a 3-minute massage bath.
The soothing massage was supposed to stimulate blood circulation during the body wash and cleanse procedure. The process ended with a 2-minute rinse and a 5-minute drying program, during which warm air entered the capsule, and infrared and ultraviolet waves killed the remaining (possibly) bacteria.
Promotional video:
HIRB.
Unfortunately, the Sanyo ultrasonic cleaner never made it to the homes of ordinary users. But all these "additional" functions, like massage and ultrasound, pushed the inventive imagination and in Japan appeared HIRB (Human In Roll-lo Bathing), a compact machine for washing people used later in nursing homes.
