Korean industrial designer Chan Yeop Jeong announced the washing machine design concept "Pecera" inspired by "Doctor Fish". "Pecera" has been entered in the "2014 Electrolux Design Lab".

Washing machine "Pecera" inspired by doctor fish
Washing machine "Pecera" inspired by doctor fish

Current washing machines require large amounts of water and detergent. In addition, the installation location is limited due to the loud noise.

"Pecera" is a design concept that solves the problems of existing washing machines. The concept of "Doctor Fish", which eats dead skin cells when you put your feet in and cleans your feet, is applied to the washing machine. Aim to realize washing by "robot fish" that cleans clothes.

Doctor fish that eats dead skin when you put your feet in it
Doctor fish that eats dead skin when you put your feet in it

Robot fish that eats dirt when you put clothes in it
Robot fish that eats dirt when you put clothes in it

When you put dirty clothes in "Pecera", the robot fish detects the dirty part. It eats dirt quickly. This allows the dirt to be removed cleanly without using detergent or rotating clothes. Since there is no noise, it can be installed anywhere in the room.

Robot fish eat dirt when you put clothes in "Pecera"
Robot fish eat dirt when you put clothes in "Pecera"

A robot fish that swims beautifully in the living room when not in use!
A robot fish that swims beautifully in the living room when not in use!

"This idea is very bold and eye-catching," said Julia Lilliehook, one of the judges at the 2014 Electrolux Design Lab. However, at the same time, he points out that "many issues remain" toward realization.

The biggest challenge at the moment is the size of the robot fish. The robot fish under development at MIT in the United States is quite large in size, and is closer to "mackerel" than "doctor fish". If you put this robot fish in the washing tub, not only the dirt but also the clothes will be eaten. It will take a considerable amount of time before it can be put into practical use.

mackerel?
mackerel?