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Naoto Fukasawa Takes on the Toilet, With a Self-Cleaning Crapper

by Warren Riddle on May 2, 2010 at 03:00 PM

Humans pioneered various methods of removing waste from their homes and dwellings thousands of years ago. From that first "Eureka!" moment, indoor plumbing has been a constant source of experimentation and innovation (and sophomoric humor, of course). Unfortunately, particularly for certain victims and Grandpa Simpson, that innovation sometimes goes horribly awry.

One hundred years after the death of toilet-trendsetter Thomas Crapper, Panasonic and Naoto Fukasawa have become the latest team to attempt the creation of an upgraded super toilet, and the crew demonstrated its self-cleaning model at Milan Design Week 2010. According to designboom, the disposal system features light sensors for awesomely hands-free seat-lifting action, and it reportedly reduces water waste by a dramatic and impressive 66-percent per year. The futuristic control panel also offers a variety of extras, like a Bidet setting and a Spray option (Come on, though. Did the team really need to include that creepy butt-fountain icon?)

While designers frequently attempt to modernize plumbing and create smart toilets, designboom claims that this cyber-crapper actually works, and -- most importantly -- won't set your nether regions on fire. [From: designboom]

Tags: green tech, green toilet, green toilets, GreenTech, GreenToilet, GreenToilets, milan design week, MilanDesignWeek, naoto fukasawa, NaotoFukasawa, smart toilets, SmartToilets, toilets, top

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