Human washing machine to launch soon

Osaka-based Science Co. is preparing to launch its innovative “Human Washing Machine of the Future” at the Osaka Kansai Expo in April 2025.

Building on the concept from the 1970 Sanyo model, the modern version uses microscopic air bubbles to clean the body efficiently. It also incorporates sensors to measure pulse and adjust water temperature accordingly.

Additionally, an AI system detects the user’s emotional state and projects calming images to enhance relaxation. The machine will be available for public trials, with plans to let 1,000 visitors experience it at the Expo.

World’s largest collection of Pokémon cards

British brothers Owen and Conner Gray set a Guinness World Record with a collection of 48,339 Pokémon cards, surpassing the previous record of 34,310 held by Benjamin DeGuire. Their cards come from various countries and languages, with only Dutch editions missing.

One of their biggest finds was a batch of cards from an attic, including two rare gold star Charizards worth up to £25,000 each. The brothers will showcase their collection at the US collector shows next year.

AI-powered knee airbag unveiled

Hippos, founded by Kylin Shaw and Bhavy Metakar, has developed a revolutionary AI-powered knee airbag that inflates in 30 milliseconds, preventing ACL and MCL injuries.

The high-tech knee sleeve, equipped with sensors and tiny air canisters, raised $642,000 in pre-seed funding and has shown promising results in trials with UK football clubs and athletes like skier Alex Schlopy.

Priced at $129 with a subscription fee of $29–$99 monthly for AI features, the device aims for a full launch soon.

World’s smallest arcade machine

A college student from Ontario, Victoria Korhonen, has created what is believed to be the world’s smallest arcade machine, measuring just 2.5 inches tall, 1-inch-wide, and 1.3 inches long. The working machine runs the classic game Pong.

Korhonen, an electromechanical engineering student at Fanshawe College, is hoping to secure a Guinness World Record, surpassing the current record of 2.61 inches set in 2018 by Jonathan Charles.

The official measurement is under review by Guinness.

Published in Dawn, Young World, January 25th, 2025