Trusco's Do Hiemon, a 2.1-metre-high stainless-steel personal cooling booth, has launched in Japan. The device promises to chill the body completely in just 10 minutes, offering an alternative to air-conditioning or fans for combating extreme heat.
How the human fridge works
The booth cools its interior to 15°C and directs a 5°C jet of air onto the user's head, neck, shoulders, and back. According to the makers, it can ease symptoms of heat exhaustion faster than traditional cooling methods. The device costs about £6,900 (1.5 million yen) but runs at just 7p per hour, roughly three times less than a toaster.
Context of extreme heat in Japan
Japan recorded its first 'cruelly hot' day of the year, with temperatures exceeding 40°C, amid a summer of record-breaking heatwaves across Europe and Asia. The booth is marketed as a solution for warehouses, factories, or public spaces where workers or individuals are exposed to punishing heat.
Potential life-saving applications
While the price tag is steep, the makers suggest that placing the booth in public areas, like a vending machine for people feeling unwell, could save lives. The device is designed to provide rapid cooling for those suffering from heat exhaustion.
