Suffering from the heat? Japan markets a "refrigerator for humans"
The personal chamber cools the body using air jets at 5 degrees Celsius. The device costs 32,000 shekels, with operating costs of about 35 agorot per hour. It is designed for use at construction sites, schools, and shopping centers.
The heatwave currently scorching the country makes many dream of one thing: entering a refrigerator and staying there. In Japan, this dream is no longer delusional, as two companies have developed a device that turns this fantasy into reality amidst the extreme heat.
The device, called Do Hiemon, is a personal cooling chamber designed for humans, as reported by The Telegraph. The invention is a collaboration between a vending machine manufacturer and a steel tool box manufacturer, aiming to provide a solution for workers and the public exposed to the intense sun.
A personal refrigerator on wheels
The user sits on a built-in chair inside a stainless steel box approximately 213 cm high. The device blows powerful jets of air at 5 degrees Celsius onto the head, neck, shoulders, and back to rapidly lower body temperature. The temperature inside the chamber is maintained at about 15 degrees. According to the supplier, Trusco, users feel significant relief within five minutes, and a 10-minute stay helps alleviate symptoms of heat exhaustion. To prevent overcooling, the device is programmed to shut down automatically after 20 minutes.
Price and intended use
The cost of the device is 1.5 million yen (approximately 32,000 shekels). Operating costs are low, standing at just 16 yen per hour (about 35 agorot), which the manufacturer, SDRS, claims makes it more economical than a standard air conditioner.
The mobile, wheeled chamber is intended for construction and agricultural sites, as well as shopping centers, schools, festivals, and sports facilities. This year, the Japanese government introduced the term 'kokusho-bi' ('cruel heat') for days when temperatures exceed 40 degrees. According to the country's Disaster Management Agency, seven people have died from heatstroke this year, with over 4,500 hospitalized between July 6 and July 12.
