Editor's Note
This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Eight Years Ago: Alexa in the Toilet. Where is t”, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
This article is part of "Gizmodo Time Machine"—looking back at what happened on this day a while ago. Observing from the future might bring not just nostalgia but also unexpected discoveries.
On January 13, 2018, we published an article titled "'Alexa, warm my butt.' A voice-controlled multifunctional smart toilet." Surprisingly, the premium bathroom fixture manufacturer Kohler announced a smart toilet equipped with Alexa.
At that time, voice assistants were being integrated into all sorts of home appliances, and Alexa was causing a whirlwind. If this toilet had become more mainstream, beyond just operating the toilet, you might have been able to play music from its built-in speakers or check today's news.
In the end, however, having a sensor automatically open the lid proved smarter than opening it by voice. Furthermore, after the COVID-19 pandemic, toilets were required to be cleaner and more hygienic than ever before.
Reading it again today, this article really makes you feel that there is no single correct answer in the evolution of the smart home.
Today’s Article: “Alexa, warm my butt.” A voice-controlled multifunctional smart toilet.
Published: January 13, 2018
Author: Gensuke Okamoto
(The following is a re-edited version of the original article.)
“Alexa, wash and dry my butt.”
In an era where every appliance under the sun is becoming "smart," the inevitable has arrived: the smart toilet.
First, its appearance is black and square, with LEDs creating a futuristic feel. Functionally, it follows voice commands to warm the seat, create mood lighting, flush water, and open/close the lid. Not only that…
It's a remarkable device with built-in speakers that can even play music.
The creator of this "Numi" toilet, exhibited at CES 2018, is Kohler Company, founded in 1873 in Wisconsin, USA.
Operation isn't done by talking to the toilet itself. Instead, you give commands to an "Alexa-equipped mirror" called the "Verdera Voice Lighted Mirror" ($999 / approx. ¥110,000) installed above the sink. This mirror has dual microphones and speakers embedded, allowing not only voice control but also motion control of the toilet. Of course, besides flushing, it can do everything else Alexa is capable of.
The "Numi," which connects to the mirror via Bluetooth, also features other warming functions: warming your feet, washing your butt with warm water, and drying your butt with warm air. It can also be operated and have its temperature adjusted via an app installed on a remote control.
With a little imagination, you could probably create a "poop playlist" or something. But depending on the music you play, the force of your excretion might change quite a bit, don't you think?
And so, a supremely hot futuristic world arrives in the bathroom space, where you can wiggle and make motions towards the mirror to operate the toilet while doing your business, and the toilet bowl blasts out sound.
It was scheduled for release in the latter half of 2018, with a pretty hefty price tag expected to be between $5,625 (approx. ¥620,000) and $7,825 (approx. ¥870,000). This smart toilet, which Kohler's CEO said "enriches the human experience"… I wonder what kind of rich person would buy it?
Today's Tech Scorecard
Prophetic Accuracy: ★★
Lost Technology Level: ★★★
Re-evaluation Level: ★★★
Source: Read the original article | Published: January 13, 2026