A research team from the Kurume Institute of Technology (KIT) took home first prize from the 2013 Mechanism and Robot Design Competition (sponsored by the Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers) for its ‘Space Bath’, a miniature washing station that can be used in zero gravity. Since water droplets scatter in zero gravity, astronauts currently wash themselves with wet cloths. The team from KIT devised a small, round device with four rotating brushes connected to hoses that pump in hot water and soap. It can be used with one hand to wash oneself, and the water that is used is sucked into a drainage tube to prevent water from scattering. KIT is now looking for a corporate partner to help them commercialize the invention. Nishinippon Shimbun 12/20
