The Quiet Toilet Revolution
You know, I never really thought I’d be writing about toilets. I mean, come on, it’s not exactly the most glamorous topic, is it? But the more I learned about the technological revolution happening in the world of bathrooms, the more fascinated I became. It turns out that behind closed doors (or should I say, behind closed toilet seats), a major shift in toilet hygiene is quietly underway.
This new generation of toilets might just make the humble porcelain throne we’re all used to seem like a relic of the past – like those old-timey chamber pots our ancestors used to use on camping trips. Because these next-gen toilets are packing some serious high-tech features that are about to revolutionize the way we, well, take care of business.
High-Tech Hygiene
Unlike the standard toilets we’ve had for generations, these new-fangled models come with all sorts of fancy bells and whistles. For starters, they can wash you from behind (and even in front, if you’re so inclined) with a gentle spray of water. And the really high-end ones even let you control the temperature, pressure, and direction of that cleansing stream! [1]
But the futuristic features don’t stop there. These tricked-out toilets also come with retractable wands for the, uh, spritzing, as well as built-in air dryers so you can skip the toilet paper altogether. [1] And let’s not forget the automatic lid-lifters, nightlights, and self-cleaning mechanisms – it’s like having your own personal bathroom butler!
The Japanese Toilet Revolution
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, this all sounds a bit…strange. Isn’t this the kind of thing you’d only find in, like, Japan or something?” Well, you’d be absolutely right. In fact, Japan is ground zero for this high-tech toilet takeover. [1]
Yep, over in the land of the rising sun, these advanced latrines are practically a way of life. In fact, a staggering 74% of Japanese households have a high-tech toilet – that’s more common than even home computers! [1] And it all started back in 1980, when a company called Toto pioneered the modern electronic toilet seat, known as the “Washlet.” [1]
Spreading Globally
But the Japanese toilet revolution didn’t stay contained to the island nation. Oh no, this technological toilet tsunami has been spreading across the globe. [1] Sure, these futuristic flushers might have started out as a cultural oddity, but they’re quickly becoming the new norm in places like the Middle East, South America, and even parts of Europe. [1]
And let me tell you, the uptake in North America has been pretty impressive too. When these high-tech toilets first started popping up stateside in the late 80s, they were seen as a bit of a novelty. [1] But over the past couple of decades, as prices have come down and more and more people have experienced the, ahem, benefits of a good ol’ water-based cleansing, they’ve really started to take off. In fact, Toto estimates that the high-tech toilet segment in the US is growing by around 15% per year! [1]
The Benefits of High-Tech Hygiene
So, what’s driving this rapid rise in advanced bathroom tech? Well, it turns out there are quite a few compelling reasons why people are ditching the old-school porcelain throne in favor of these high-tech alternatives.
For one, the water-based cleansing system is just way more hygienic than the traditional method of using, well, paper. As Toto’s spokeswoman Lenora Campos put it, “We wash most things with water and wouldn’t dream of wiping a dish or anything else with a piece of paper and calling it clean. So why should personal hygiene be any different?” [1] It’s a fair point – I mean, can you imagine trying to clean your hands with a dry paper towel instead of soap and water? Sounds pretty gross, right?
And then there are all the other convenient features that these smart toilets offer. The automatic lid-lifting, the temperature controls, the built-in deodorizers – it’s like having your own personal bathroom butler, ready to cater to your every toilet-related need. [1] Plus, with the water-saving technology and energy-efficient design, you’re actually doing the planet a favor by upgrading to one of these high-tech thrones. [2]
The Future of Toilet Tech
Now, I know what you’re thinking – these fancy-schmancy toilets must cost an absolute fortune, right? Well, you’re not wrong. The top-of-the-line models, like Toto’s Neorest, can set you back a cool $10,000. [1] But the good news is that there are more affordable options out there, with many high-tech toilets falling in the $450 to $1,800 range. [1]
And as the technology continues to evolve and become more mainstream, I have a feeling those prices are only going to keep coming down. In fact, Toto estimates that the high-tech toilet segment in the US is growing by around 15% per year, which means these futuristic flushers are about to become a whole lot more accessible. [1]
So, who knows, maybe one day we’ll look back on our old-fashioned toilets the way we now view those antique chamber pots – as a relic of a bygone era. Because if this high-tech toilet revolution has taught me anything, it’s that when it comes to our bathrooms, the future is looking sleek, sophisticated, and supremely hygienic. [1]
References
[1] Knowledge from https://www.nydailynews.com/2014/03/04/new-high-tech-toilets-no-hands-or-paper-required/
[2] Knowledge from https://www.maticad.com/us/how-to-design-a-high-tech-bathroom/