Japanese companies TRUSCO Nakayama and SDRS have developed a portable, human-sized cooling booth called the "Do Hiemon Box" to combat extreme heat [1, 2].
This technology arrives as Japan faces record-breaking summer heatwaves that threaten the safety of outdoor and industrial laborers. By providing a rapid way to lower core body temperatures, the booth aims to reduce the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses in high-temperature environments [3, 4].
The device functions as a human-sized refrigerator designed for quick deployment in the field. According to technical specifications, the booth can lower a person's body temperature within five minutes [2, 3]. This rapid cooling cycle allows workers to recover quickly before returning to their tasks in the heat [3].
TRUSCO Nakayama, an industrial supplier, partnered with the refrigeration firm SDRS to engineer the system [1, 2]. The collaboration focuses on creating a portable solution that can be moved to various job sites, ensuring that cooling is available where workers are most exposed to the elements [1, 2].
The Do Hiemon Box is specifically targeted at sectors where traditional air conditioning is impractical, such as construction sites, and heavy industrial zones [1, 4]. The companies said they developed the booth to address the increasing physiological stress caused by rising global temperatures [3, 4].
While standard cooling stations often require permanent installation, the portable nature of this booth allows for flexible placement based on the immediate needs of the workforce [2]. This adaptability is intended to transform how companies manage heat stress and worker safety during peak summer months [3].
“The 'Do Hiemon Box' can lower a person's body temperature within five minutes.”
The development of the Do Hiemon Box reflects a growing industrial trend toward 'active cooling' interventions as climate change increases the frequency of lethal heatwaves. By shifting from passive shade to rapid-reduction cooling, Japanese industry is acknowledging that traditional breaks are no longer sufficient to prevent heatstroke in extreme conditions.
