As global temperatures climb, Japanese manufacturers SDRS and TRUSCO Nakayama have introduced a novel solution to combat extreme heat: the “Do Hiemon Box.” This portable, one-person cooling booth is designed to provide rapid relief for individuals working or traveling in sweltering conditions. Inspired by the ubiquitous Japanese vending machine, the unit offers a controlled environment that can mitigate the symptoms of heat exhaustion in minutes. By combining efficient insulation with targeted airflow, the booth provides a practical, energy-conscious alternative to traditional spot air conditioning in demanding outdoor or industrial settings.
The cooling booth functions by maintaining an internal ambient temperature of approximately 15 degrees Celsius. To ensure immediate relief, the system directs 5-degree chilled air specifically toward the user’s head, neck, and shoulders. Recognizing the risks of sudden temperature shifts, the designers incorporated three distinct cooling modes and an automatic 20-minute shut-off timer, allowing the body to acclimate safely before the user returns to the heat. The structure is built from stainless-steel panels with polystyrene insulation, ensuring the unit remains efficient while standing at roughly two meters tall.
Designed for versatility, the Do Hiemon Box is intended for high-heat environments such as construction sites, factory floors, warehouses, and outdoor event venues. The unit is highly mobile, featuring caster locking wheels for easy relocation. It operates on a standard 100-volt outlet and consumes only 0.51 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which is half the power required by a conventional spot air conditioner. With an IPX3 rating for durability, the booth is priced at 1.5 million yen, with additional options available for portable power stations and crane eyebolts to suit various professional needs.